How do the eggs of ixodid ticks look? - briefly
Ixodid tick eggs are spherical to ovoid, smooth, and measure approximately 0.5–0.8 mm in diameter, typically forming a white or off‑white mass on the host’s skin. The thin chorion provides slight translucency that reveals the developing embryo.
How do the eggs of ixodid ticks look? - in detail
The eggs of hard ticks are oval to slightly elongated, measuring approximately 0.5–0.7 mm in length and 0.3–0.4 mm in width. Their external surface is covered by a thin, transparent chorion that may appear glossy when moist and become opaque after desiccation. Coloration ranges from creamy white to light amber, depending on species and developmental stage.
Key morphological features include:
- Shape: Slightly flattened dorsoventrally, facilitating attachment to the substrate.
- Surface texture: Smooth to faintly reticulate; microscopic ridges may be present on some species.
- Attachment structures: A narrow operculum at one pole, through which the larva emerges; the operculum is often darker than the surrounding chorion.
- Internal organization: Visible embryonic development stages become discernible as the egg darkens, with the developing larva occupying the central cavity.
Eggs are deposited in clusters called “egg masses,” typically adhering to the lower surface of the host’s hide or to sheltered environmental niches. The mass is held together by a silk-like secretion produced by the female, which creates a cohesive, protective layer around the individual eggs. This secretion can impart a slightly matte appearance to the entire cluster.