Mechanical properties of the cuticle of the tick Amblyomma hebraeum (Acari: Ixodidae).

Author:

Flynn, PC, and Kaufman, WR

Publication type:

Journal Article

Publication date:

2015-09

Journal/Series title:

J Exp Biol

Volume:

218

Issue:

Pt 17

URL:

https://jeb.biologists.org/content/218/17/2806.long

Abstract:

Female ticks of the family Ixodidae increase their mass up to 100-fold during the 7-10 day feeding period. We determined the material properties of the alloscutal cuticle of female Amblyomma hebraeum from the time of moulting through to full engorgement. The material properties of the cuticle were evaluated by a Kelvin-Voigt analysis of compliance determined from the stretch of loops of cuticle under stress.