"Card" - what is it, definition of the term
An elongated, flat medium of paper, polymer, or metal, usually rectangular, serves to store and present data that authorizes financial transactions, confirms identity, or grants access to services; it bears printed, embossed, or digital markings—such as numbers, logos, magnetic stripes, chips, or barcodes—that enable electronic verification and processing.
Detailed information
A reference sheet designed for rapid identification of arthropod parasites provides essential data for professionals in veterinary, medical, and agricultural fields. The sheet lists four groups—ticks, true bugs, lice, and fleas—each accompanied by taxonomy, morphology, life‑cycle stages, and typical host ranges.
The taxonomy column presents scientific names from order to species, enabling precise communication across disciplines. Morphological descriptors focus on distinguishing features such as mouth‑part structure, body segmentation, and setae patterns. For example, ticks are identified by a capitulum and scutum, whereas lice exhibit a laterally compressed body and clawed tarsi.
Life‑cycle information outlines developmental stages, duration, and environmental conditions required for progression. Tick development progresses from egg to larva, nymph, and adult, with each stage dependent on humidity and temperature thresholds. True bugs undergo incomplete metamorphosis, while lice and fleas follow complete metamorphosis with egg, larva, pupa, and adult phases.
Host‑association data specify typical animal or human hosts, prevalence in different regions, and zoonotic potential. Ticks often infest cattle, dogs, and humans, transmitting bacterial and protozoan pathogens. Certain bugs, such as bed bugs, are primarily human ectoparasites, whereas lice target specific mammals, and fleas commonly affect rodents and companion animals.
Practical usage guidelines include:
- Placement in field kits for on‑site examination.
- Color‑coding to differentiate groups at a glance.
- Laminated surface for durability under field conditions.
- QR‑code link to an online database for updates and images.
Maintenance recommendations advise periodic review of taxonomic revisions and incorporation of emerging resistance data. Updated versions should replace older sheets to ensure accuracy in diagnostic and control strategies.