Oviposition and Eclosion Periods of Ixodes didelphidis Fonseca and Arago, 1951 (Acari: Ixodidae) under Laboratory Conditions

Oviposition and eclosion periods for Ixodes didelphidis were observed under two temperatures (25C and 27C) and 90-95% humidity. Although there was a significant increase in the eclosion period (p<0.05) and a tendency to increase the oviposition period at 25C, there was neither significant differences in the interval (days), until maximum peak of eclosion nor in the number of emerging larvae during the peak nor the total number of emerged larvae. These temperature values are not critical for embryological development of the species. Because at 27C and under high humidity the oviposition and eclosion periods are shorter, and the percentage of emerged larvae is higher, we consider this to be the ideal temperature for laboratory studies.