Journal of
Parasitology and Vector Biology

  • Abbreviation: J. Parasitol. Vector Biol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2510
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPVB
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 204

Full Length Research Paper

Morphometric structuring and diversity of ticks of the subgenus Rhipicephalus (Boophilus), in the Savannah District, Côte d’Ivoire

Kouassi Y. J. M. Privat
  • Kouassi Y. J. M. Privat
  • Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Côte d’Ivoire, BP 1328 Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
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N’Goran K. Edouard
  • N’Goran K. Edouard
  • Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Côte d’Ivoire, BP 1328 Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
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Kanh K. H. Michael
  • Kanh K. H. Michael
  • Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Côte d’Ivoire, BP 1328 Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
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Gragnon B. Guillaume
  • Gragnon B. Guillaume
  • National Laboratory for Agricultural Development Support, Lanada, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire, BP 32 Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
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M’Bari K. Benjamin
  • M’Bari K. Benjamin
  • Laboratory of Animals Biology, Production and Health, Agropastoral Management Institute, Peleforo Gon Coulibaly University, Côte d’Ivoire, BP 1328 Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
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  •  Received: 28 April 2023
  •  Accepted: 18 September 2023
  •  Published: 31 December 2023

Abstract

The existence of a biological barrier between Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, which are considered species within the subgenus Rhipicephalus (Boophilus), is increasingly questioned due to observed hypothetical hybridization among them. To investigate this presumed hybridization, we conducted a morphometric characterization study of the tick population in the Savannah District. Ticks were collected from 74 farms, with an average of 16 cattle per farm. These collected ticks were then preserved in 70° ethanol, identified using a binocular magnifying glass and an identification key, and subsequently subjected to morphometric analyses. Only non-engorged adult individuals within the subgenus Rhipicephalus (B.) were analyzed using classical morphometry. This study revealed the presence of sexual dimorphism within ticks of the subgenus Rhipicephalus (Boophilus), with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) females exhibiting significantly larger linear characteristics than males. Furthermore, this study demonstrated variation in morphological traits between different species. Classical morphometry, however, did not allow for the distinction between males of one species and those of another. In contrast, it was possible to differentiate R. (B.) microplus females from females of other species.

Key words: Variation, morphology, morphometry, ticks, Rhipicephalus, Côte d’Ivoire

Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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