Fine Structure of the Nymphal Integument in the Camel Tick Hyalomma (H) anatolicum anatolicum (Ixoddoidea: Ixodidae)

The fine structure of the nymphal integument in the ixodidtick Hyalomma (Hyalomma) anatolicum anatolicum is compared forstages of development before feeding under electron microscope. Theintegument contains a cuticular layer and underlies epidermal cells.The body cuticle consists of both sclerotized and non-sclerotizedparts, and also is divided into an outer epicuticle, and an inner, thickfibrilar procuticle. Pore canals in the procuticle are continuous withwax canals, which traverse the epicuticle. The parallel, extensibleepicuticular folds appear at this stage. By stretching of the cuticle, thepore canals, lose their parallel pattern and appear to have becomedeformed.