Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Journal of Comparative Physiology □ A

Publication Date

12-1-1982

Abstract

The tip-recording technique was used to obtain electrophysiological responses from the tarsal olfactory sensilla, md3 and apl, in ixodid ticks, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Amblyomma variegatum. Stimuli tested were phenolic compounds, 2,6-dichlorophenol, P-cresol, phenol and salicylaldehyde, reported to act as sex pheromone of various ixodid ticks. Certain cells responded to vapours from cartridges charged with as little as 0.04ng of 2,6-dichlorophenol while at least 200 μg of any of the other compounds was required to exert the minimum effect. Response patterns of cells in sexually immature and mature males were similar but response levels were higher among sexually immature males. Vapours from n-hexane washings of adult and larval ticks or from live virgin females contained potent stimuli which caused response patterns similar to those evoked by 2,6-dichlorophenol. The chemical identity and behavioural significance of those stimuli are still under investigation. © 1982 Springer-Verlag.

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