Seasonal variation in the population density of larvae of Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) (Acari: Ixodoidea) in Jamaican pastures

ABSTRACT

A study was made of the seasonal variation in population density of larvae of Boophilus microplus (Can.) in four locations in Jamaican pastures where the mean annual precipitation ranged from 59 to 222 cm. Variations in popualation density were related to rainfall. Generally, four months of heavy rains in August to November preceded singnificant increases in B. microplus populations in December to February, This was followed by a reduction then another slight increase, resulting in a bimodal pattern of activity. Although populations fell to very low levels by the end of the dry season, only in one focus were they depleted to undetectable levels.(AU)