An index to assess the reproductive fitness of female ticks.

ABSTRACT

This paper describes an index that assesses the reproductive fitness of female ticks. The Reproductive Fitness Index (RFI) is calculated by the number of eggs that hatch into larvae as a function of the body weight of the engorged female at the time of detachment from the host. The RFI has an advantage over existing reproductive indices because it takes into account the viability of eggs laid by females. This is of ecological significance because it provides a more accurate and biologically relevant measurement in intraspecific and/or interspecific comparisons of the reproductive fitness of females.