Fig. 201.—Adult female. Length, ⅐th of 1 inch.
In each of the three stages of larva, pupa, and adult female, all species of ticks attack some “host” or animal, either beast, bird, or reptile, to which they attach themselves by the “rostrum” or beak, and become greatly distended by suction of the host’s blood. When replete they fall to the ground—if a larva or pupa, in order to undergo its metamorphosis to the next stage of its existence, and afterwards seek a fresh host; if an adult female, to lay its eggs amongst herbage. The adult male is not capable of distension by suction, though it equally attaches itself to a host.
After undergoing metamorphoses, grass ticks, with the exception of males, are light in colour, soft and lethargic, and remain concealed for some time while recovering strength before seeking a fresh host.
Professor Neumann alludes to the fact that a fresh host is sought by ticks three several times during their existence.
The Larva. When first hatched out from the eggs, which are supposed to be laid at the roots of coarse herbage, the young ticks are white and soft, but soon gain strength. Provided the weather is favourable, they climb up the stems, and, holding by their two posterior pairs of legs, await the passing of a host, employing their two front legs as insects use their antennæ.
In this, as in other “free living” stages of their existence, the young larvæ show great activity, attaching themselves and clinging tenaciously to any moving object. They appear to be more numerous on the rank rushes growing in damp, undrained places.
Fig. 202.—Partially distended female. The dotted white line represents the size of the tick before distension.
On finding a host, larvæ attach themselves by the rostrum, and remain there for about two days, by which time they are distended, black and globular. At this time they are easily detached from the host, and have lost their activity and clinging habits.