Resumen Los piojos son parásitos especializados que desarrollan todo su ciclo de vida en el hospedador. Por esta razón, muchas veces una determinada especie de piojo masticador es específica de una especie de hospedador o de otras filogenéticamente cercanas próximas. Alrededor de 560 especies de piojos parasitan exclusivamente mamíferos. Cebidicola semiarmatus, es una de ellas, caracterizada por parasitar primates del género Aloautta. Este trabajo constituye el primer registro de C. semiarmatus parasitando A. guariba clamintans.

Abstract Lice are highly specialized parasites that spend their entire life cycle on their host. Thus, a particular species of chewing lice is often restricted either to a single host species or to a phylogenetically related species. About 560 species of these insects parasitize mammals exclusively. Cebidicola semiarmatus is one of these species, known to parasitize several primate species of the genus Aloautta. This paper presents the first record of C. semiarmatus parasitizing A. guariba clamintans.

The Rickettsia bacteria include the aetiological agents for the human spotted fever (SF) disease. In the present study, a SF groupRickettsia amblyommii related bacterium was detected in a field collected Amblyomma sculptum (Amblyomma cajennense species complex) tick from a Brazilian SF endemic site in southeastern Brazil, in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, state of Minas Gerais. Genetic analysis based on genes ompA,ompB and htrA showed that the detected strain, named R. amblyommii str. JF, is related to the speciesR. amblyommii.

Nos últimos anos infecção por protozoários hemosporídeos dos gêneros Plasmodium e Haemoproteus, tem sido considerada um dos fatores mais importantes relacionados com a extinção e / ou declínio da população de várias espécies de aves em todo o mundo. No Brasil, apesar da grande biodiversidade aviária, poucos estudos foram desenvolvidos para detectar a infecção, especialmente entre as aves silvestres mantidas em cativeiro. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prevalência de infecção por Plasmodium spp. e Haemoproteus spp. em aves silvestres em cativeiro na Mata Atlântica do sudeste do Brasil, utilizando microscopia convencional e reação em cadeia da polimerase. Amostras de sangue de 119 aves mantidas em cativeiro no Ibama durante o período de julho de 2011 a julho de 2012, foram coletadas. A densidade parasitária foi determinada com base apenas em leituras de esfregaços de sangue por microscopia fotônica. A prevalência média de infecção por Plasmodium spp. e Haemoproteus spp. obtida por exame microscópico de esfregaços sanguíneos e PCR foi semelhante (83,19% e 81,3%, respectivamente), com Caracara plancus e Saltator similis sendo as espécies mais parasitadas. A parasitemia média determinada pela contagem microscópica de formas evolutivas de Plasmodium spp. e Haemoproteus spp. foi de 1,51%. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo reforçam a importância do manejo de aves em cativeiro, especialmente quando serão reintroduzidas na natureza.

In recent years haemosporidian infection by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium and Haemoproteus, has been considered one of the most important factors related to the extinction and/or population decline of several species of birds worldwide. In Brazil, despite the large avian biodiversity, few studies have been designed to detect this infection, especially among wild birds in captivity. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. infection in wild birds in captivity in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil using microscopy and the polymerase chain reaction. Blood samples of 119 different species of birds kept in captivity at IBAMA during the period of July 2011 to July 2012 were collected. The parasite density was determined based only on readings of blood smears by light microscopy. The mean prevalence of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. infection obtained through the microscopic examination of blood smears and PCR were similar (83.19% and 81.3%, respectively), with Caracara plancus and Saltator similis being the most parasitized. The mean parasitemia determined by the microscopic counting of evolutionary forms of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. was 1.51%. The results obtained from this study reinforce the importance of the handling of captive birds, especially when they will be reintroduced into the wild.

Com objetivo de viabilizar o uso de coelhos como hospedeiros alternativos do carrapato bovino, foram infestados quatro coelhos nas orelhas e no dorso. A partir do segundo dia da infestação, foram observados os estágios de desenvolvimento dos carrapatos. A duração do ingurgitamento e muda larval foi estimada entre seis e oito dias na região do dorso e entre cinco e sete dias no pavilhão auricular. O ingurgitamento e muda ninfal ocorreram em aproximadamente, 10,80 ± 2,65 dias na região dorsal e 11,00 ± 2,52 dias no pavilhão auricular; e o ingurgitamento e cópula dos adultos ocorreu em 7,03 ± 2,45 dias, na região do dorso e em 8,55 ± 1,82 dias na região do pavilhão auricular . O período parasitário variou de 21 a 29 dias (dorso) e de 23 a 30 dias (pavilhão auricular). As fêmeas ingurgitadas do dorso e orelha pesaram, em média, 34,43 ± 18,73 e 36,30 ± 18,10 mg, respectivamente. Os índices de e'ciência reprodutiva e nutricional foram de 17,38 ± 14,27 e 26,85 ± 17,13% (região do dorso) e de 17,42 ± 12,22% e 30,70 ± 19,80% (pavilhão auricular). Embora não sejam adequados para manter sucessivas gerações de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, os coelhos podem ser empregados para o ingurgitamento dos diferentes estádios deste ixodídeo, viabilizando estudos experimentais.

With the objective of encouraging the use of rabbits as alternative hosts for the cattle tick, four rabbits were infested on the ears and back. From the second day of infestation the developmental stages were observed. e duration of larval engorgement and changes were estimated between six and eight days in the region of the back and between 've and seven days in the pinna. e nymphal engorgement and changes occurred at approximately 10.80 ± 2.65 days in the dorsal and 11.00 ± 2.52 days in the ear, with the engorgement of adults and copulation occurring at 7.03 ± 2.45 days, on the dorsal region and 8.55 ± 1.82 days in the region of the pinna. e parasitic period ranged from 21 to 29 days (back) and from 23 to 30 days (pinna). e engorged females of the back and ear weighed on average 34.43 ± 18.73 and 36.30 ± 18.10 mg, respectively. e nutritional and reproductive e/ciency indexes were 17.38 ± 14.27 and 26.85 ± 17.13% (back) and 17.42 ± 12.22% and 30.70 ± 19.80% (pinna). Although not appropriate to maintain successive generations of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, rabbits can be used for di:erent stages of engorgement of the ixodid, allowing experimental studies.

O presente estudo avaliou aspectos da associação forética de ácaros em moscas Pseudolynchia canariensis (Macquart) de pombos-domésticos, Columba livia, em Juiz de Fora, MG. O total de 236 ácaros foréticos foram encontrados em 74 das 156 moscas analisadas (47,4%). A prevalência para Myialges anchora Sergent & Trouessart foi de 23,7%, com intensidade média de 1,5 ± 0,90 e abundância média de 0,4 ± 0,76 presentes no abdome (n = 51); 75,9% desses ácaros (n = 41) estavam circundados por ovos, com média de 21,6 ± 12,90 ovos por fêmea ovígera. Para M.lophortyx (Furmann & Tharshis), a prevalência foi de 13,5% (n = 21), com 62 indivíduos (intensidade média de 3,0 ± 2,75) e abundância média de 0,4 ± 1,41); 41,9% destes na asa direita (n = 26) e 58,1%, na asa esquerda (n = 36); 72,6% (n = 45) apresentavam massas ovígeras, com média de 6,3 ± 3,04 ovos por fêmea ovígera. A prevalência de Ornithocheyletia hallae Volgin foi de 23,7% (n = 37), com 120 indivíduos (intensidade média de 3,2 ± 4,47 e abundância média de 0,8 ± 2,56). Em 28,4% (n = 21) das moscas ocorreram infestações simultâneas, principalmente por M.anchora e O.hallae, presentes em 66,7% (n = 14) das moscas com incidência mista. Os ácaros apresentaram distribuição agregada. Ornithocheyletia hallae apresentou-se mais agregada, enquanto M.anchora e M.lophortyx apresentaram o mesmo valor de K.

This study evaluated aspects of population ecology and community component of mites in Pseudolynchia canariensis (Macquart) of domestic pigeons Columba livia in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. A total of 236 forest mites were found in 74 out of 156 fl ies (47.4% infestation). The prevalence for Myialges anchora Sergent & Trouessart was 23.7%, with average intensity 1.5 ± 0.90 and average abundance 0.4 ± 0.76, mostly (94.4%) located on the abdomen; 75.9% of the mites (n = 41) surrounded by eggs, with a mean of 16.4 ± 14.60 eggs per individual and 21.6 ± 12.90 eggs per ovigerous female. The prevalence for M.lophortyx (Furmann & Tharshis) was 13.5% (n = 21) with 62 individuals, mean intensity 3.0 ± 2.75 average abundance 0.4 ± 1.41; 41.9% (n = 26) located at the right wing and 58.1% (n = 36) were in the left wing; 72.6% (n = 45) showed ovigerous mass, with 4.56 ± 3.42 per each individual and 6.3 ± 3.04 per ovigerous female. The prevalence of Ornithocheyletia hallae Volgin was 23.7% (n = 37) with 120 individuals, with mean intensity of 3.2 ± 4.47, and mean abundance of 0.8 ± 2.56. In 28.4% (n = 21) of flies occurred simultaneous mite infestations, mainly for M.anchora and O.hallae, present in 66.7% (n = 14) of flies with mixed effect. The component communities showed an aggregate distribution. The mite species O.hallae was more agregate, while M.anchora and M.lophortyx showed the same K value.

No presente trabalho caracterizou-se a população de ectoparasitos em cães de núcleo de expansão urbana de Juiz de Fora, MG. As coletas foram realizadas de julho a setembro de 2003, examinando-se 101 cães SRD (sem raça definida). Os ectoparasitos foram coletados através de inspeção visual e tátil dos animais e acondicionados em frascos com etanol 70°GL e identificados sob estereoscopia. Espécimes foram clarificados e montados para análise em microscopia fotônica. Dentre os sifonápteros, Ctenocephalides felis foi mais prevalente (64,35%) com intensidade média de 6,12 ± 5,37 sifonápteros/cão, seguido por Rhopalopsyllus lutzi (3,96%), híbrida C. felis X C. canis (1,98%), Tunga penetrans (1,98%). Aúnica espécie de fitiráptero encontrada foi Trichodectes canis (7,92%) com 1,3 ± 0,51 fitiráptero/cão. Dentre os ixodídeos, Rhipicephalus sanguineus foi a espécie mais prevalente (49,50%) com intensidade média de 6,44 ± 10,2 ixodídeos/ cão, seguido por Amblyomma cajennense (3,96%), Boophilus microplus (2,97%), A. ovale (1%) e A. aureolatum (1%). As ninfas de ixodídeos foram separadas em ninfas de Amblyomminae (58,41%) com 10,11 ± 10,09 ninfas/cão e ninfas Rhipicephalinae (24,75%) com 2,64 ± 3,25 ninfas/cão. Em 3,96 % dos cães foram encontradas larvas de ixodídeo.

The present work studied the characterization of ectoparasites on dogs in the nucleus of expansão urbana of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The collections were conducted from July to September 2003, examining 101 dogs of no defined breed. The ectoparasites were collected through visual and tactile inspection of the animals' bodies, and were then placed in bottles with 70° GL ethanol and identified under a stereomicroscope. Specimens were clarified and mounted on slides for analysis under a photonic microscope. Among the siphonaptera, Ctenocephalides felis was the most prevalent (64.35%), with mean intensity of 6.12 ± 5.37 siphonaptera/dog, followed by Rhopalopsyllus lutzi (3.96%), a hybrid of C. felis X C. canis (1.98%), and Tunga penetrans (1.98%). The only species of phthiraptera found was Trichodectes canis (7.92%), with 1.3 ± 0.51 phthiraptera/dog. Among the ixodidae, Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the most prevalent species (49.50%), with a mean intensity of 6.44 ± 10.2 ixodidae/dog, followed by Amblyomma cajennense (3.96%), Boophilus microplus (2.97%), A. ovale (1%) and A. aureolatum (1%). The ixodid nymphs were separated into aAmblyomminae nymphs (58.41%), with 10.11 ± 10.09 nymphs/dog, and Rhipicephalinae nymphs ¹(24.75%), with 2.64 ± 3.25 nymphs/dog. Ixodid larvae were found on 3.96 % of the dogs.

Durante o estudo dos metazoários parasitos de Paroaria dominicana Linnaeus, 1758 (Passeriformes), quatro infrapopulações de Platynosomum illiciens (Brown, 1901) (Trematoda) foram coletadas nos ductos hepáticos, com intensidades parasitárias de 10, 11, 18 e 36 espécimes respectivamente. Diferenças entre os valores morfométricos médios e o número total de ovos das infrapopulações foram estatisticamente testadas. O peso do fígado não se correlacionou ao peso das aves, ao comprimento do corpo das aves e à abundância parasitária. Foram detectadas correlações positivas entre o tamanho das infrapopulações e o número de ovos produzidos e entre o tamanho do corpo dos parasitos e o tamanho dos ovos. Correlações negativas foram observadas entre a intensidade parasitária e o peso do fígado; entre o tamanho das infrapopulações e o tamanho dos indivíduos dessas infrapopulações; entre o número e o tamanho dos ovos e entre o tamanho do corpo dos parasitos e o número de ovos. Os resultados indicaram que as infrapopulações maiores se estabeleceram em aves com fígados menores e que quanto maiores as infrapopulações foram observados menor tamanho corporal e menor tamanho dos ovos, os que se apresentaram em maior quantidade.

During the study of the metazoan parasites of Paroaria dominicana Linnaeus, 1758 (Passeriformes), four infrapopulations of Platynosomum illiciens (Brown, 1901) (Trematoda), parasitic in the liver ducts were collected, with intensity of infection 10, 11, 18 and 36 specimens respectively. Differences between the means of morphometrical values and the total number of eggs were statistically tested. The liver weigh were not significantly correlated with avian total weigh and length, and with the total parasitic abundance. Positive correlations were observed between the size of infrapopulations and the total number of eggs, and between parasite body size and the eggs. size. Negative correlations were observed between parasitic intensity and liver weigh; between the size of infrapopulations and the parasite body size; between total number and the size of eggs and between parasite body size and total number of eggs. These results suggests that host with smaller liver had greater infrapopulations. These greater infrapopulations showed smaller parasite body size and higher size and number of eggs.

The avian malaria caused by Plasmodium juxtanucleare in Gallus gallus, is a tipical plasmodiose from Brazilian gallinaceous. This disease can causes morbidy and mortality in its vertebrate hosts. This work was conducted at Boa Vista farm, Municipality of Santa Bárbara do Tugúrio, Minas Gerais, Brazil and the ours objectives were to evaluate the hight prevalence found in previous studies and to accompany the variation of the erytrocytic forms during one year. The bloods smears, dyed with Giemsa were examined in microscopy immersion. Twenty five half-breed fowls were accompany duting one year, monthly (from November/00 to May/01) and biweekly (from June/01 to October/01). The erytrocytic forms were registered and quantified by the observation of 100 microscopic fields. Was verified a prevalence of 100% by P. juxtanuclerare, but there wasn't statistics correlation between the increase of the erytrocytic forms during the year. The trophozoites were the more abundant form found in this studie

Este trabalho sobre a malária aviária causada pelo Plasmodium juxtanucleare em Gallus gallus no Brasil, foi realizado no sítio Boa Vista (21º15'12"S, 43º27'16"W), município de Santa Bárbara do Tugúrio, Minas Gerais, e teve como objetivos reavaliar a prevalência de 100% encontrada em estudos anteriores e acompanhar a variação dos estádios eritrocíticos do parasito ao longo de um ano na região. Sob microscopia em imersão foram examinados esfregaços sangüíneos de 25 aves mestiças, corados pelo Giemsa. As amostras foram coletadas ao longo de um ano, mensalmente de novembro/00 a maio/01 e quinzenalmente de junho/01 a outubro/01. Os estádios eritrocíticos foram quantificados pela observação de 100 campos microscópicos. Foi constatada prevalência de 100% por P. juxtanuclerare na região. Não houve correlação estatisticamente significativa entre o aumento dos estádios eritrocíticos em relação às coletas ao longo do ano. O estádio de trofozoíto foi predominante durante todo o período de estudo

From July to September, 2000 (winter), and from January to March, 2001 (summer), 30 dust samples were collected for each season, from beds of rural dwellings located in farms in the geographical area named "Zona da Mata", Minas Gerais, Brazil. After being sorted, the mites were identified and quantified. The prevalence of mites in the samples was 100%. 891 mites were found in winter (22.97%), and 2988 in summer (77.03%). In winter, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart, 1897) was the most prevalent (55.00%), followed by Blomia tropicalis (Bronswijk, Cock & Oshima, 1973) (27.06%), Euroglyphus maynei (Cooreman, 1950) (8.85%), and predator mites from Cheyletidae family (8.07%). In summer, the most prevalent species was B. tropicalis (47.79%), followed by D. pteronyssinus (43.38%), Cheyletidae (6.87%), and E. maynei (1.28%). Few Dermatophagoides farinae (Hughes, 1961), Chortoglyphus arcuatus (Troupeau, 1879), and mites from Tarsonemidae and Cunaxidae families were found, the last two occurring only in summer. No mites from Acaridae family were found. The greatest number of immature forms found in summer suggested a greater breeding activity in this season. It was also noted that different building materials and varied cleaning routines may influence the population size of domiciliary dust mites.

The hemocyte composition of adults of Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) Koch, 1844 adults consisted of three basic cellular types: prahemocyte I (PR I), plasmatocyte (PL) and spherulocyte (ES II). Among the ixodids observed (A. cajennense; A. dissimile Koch, 1844; Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille, 1806; Anocentor nitens (Neumann, 1897) Schulze, 1937; Boophilus microplus Canestrini, 1887 and Haemaphysalis sp.) only A. cajennense was different in the adult hemolymph colour. It changed from amber to deep blue as the ixodid age advanced. This fact could be associated with the presence of hemocyanin in the hemolymph and points out the need to develop further investigations about the Ixodidae hemolymph pratein composition as well as the function of all the types found in it. This information could aid the studies on ticks control.

O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar os métodos de controle do carrapato Boophilus microplus realizados em três fazendas representativas dos sistemas de produção de leite da Microrregião Fisiográfica Fluminense do Grande Rio, Rio de Janeiro, levando-se em consideração o manejo das fazendas, o grau de sangue Bos taurus e Bos indicus dos rebanhos, os fatores climáticos e a prevalência estacional do carrapato. Para efeito de avaliação, foi utilizada a contagem periódica de fêmeas ingurgitadas medindo entre 4,5 e 8mm, no antímero direito de 20% das vacas em lactação de cada fazenda, durante um ano. A diferença no manejo das pastagens, a composição genética dos rebanhos e as condições climáticas influenciaram a prevalência estacional de B. microplus. A maior lotação animal por hectare, o elevado "stand" vegetativo das pastagens e o maior grau de sangue B. taurus contribuíram para as maiores infestações de carrapatos nas fazendas. O controle de B. microplus realizado pelos proprietários teve importância secundária em relação as outras atitudes de manejo dos rebanhos. Ficou evidenciado o uso excessivo e ineficiente de produtos químicos para o controle de B. microplus nas fazendas. Para implantação de medidas de controle estratégico do B. Microplus, fazem-se necessários esforços para a transferência e adoção dos resultados de pesquisas disponíveis aos produtores rurais.

The objective of the study was to analyse the control methods of the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus. The experiment was carried out on three farms of the dairy production systems of the Fluminense Physiographic Microregion of Grande Rio, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Farm management, the Bos indicus and Bos taurus composition of herds, climatic factors and seasonal variation in tick infestation level of cattle was taken into account. Counts of engorged female ticks, measuring between 4.5 and 8.0mm, in 20% of the lactating cows of each farm, were carried out during one year, June 1996 to May, 1997. Pasture management differences, genetic composition of the herds and climatic conditions, influenced the seasonal incidence of B. microplus. The highest cattle stocking rate per hectare, taller vegetative stand of pasture and greater proportion of B. taurus genes in herds contributed to increase tick infestation on farms. The direct control of B. microplus, carried out by the owners on farms, had a secondary importance compared to other factors of herd management. Excessive and inefficient use of chemical acaricide products was observed. Efforts should be made for the transfer and adoption of research results for rural producers to facilitate the implantation of strategic control measures against B. microplus.

With the purpose of investigating the biological aspects of Angiostrongylus vasorum (Baillet, 1866) Kamensky, 1905 in Subulina octona Bruguiere, 1789 experimental infections were carried out with the exposure of 90 adult molluscs to 155 L1 of the parasite/mollusc during 24 hours. The intramollus-can larval development was checked out daily through the chemical digestion of four infected molluscs and one molluscs from the control group during 21 days after infection. Until the 6th day post-infection, only Li of the parasite has been observed. On the 7th day; the presence of L2 was detected and from the 13th day on, L3 of A. vasorum also appeared. By means of larval morphometry, it has been observed that, Li had na average size of 335 x 14,5 um whereas L2 had an average size of 440,7 x 33,9 um on the 7th day ofter infection, reaching a, aximal diameter of 41,8 um on the 12th day after infections. The L3 had an average size of 472,4 x 38,7 um on the 13th day day and on the 21st' day after infection the measure was 551,3 x 27,6 um. In order to verify the infectivity of L3, from 5. octona to the definitive host, infection of a dog was undertaken by means of ingestion of tritured molluscs. On the 49th day post-infection, Li was found in the feaces of the dog and at necropsy on the 84th day post-infection adults worms were found in the lungs.

Este experimento foi conduzido para conhecer os efeitos de duas espécies de fungos, Beauveria bassiana e Metarhizium anisopliae em ovos do carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus sob temperatura e umidade constantes (27 ± 1° C e > 80% de umidade relativa (UR)) e variáveis (25 ±5° C e > 60% UR). Ovos de R. sanguineus foram imersos em quatro concentrações (10(8), 10(7), 10(6) e 10(5) conídios/ml) de dois isolados de B. bassiana (Bb 986 e Bb 747) e três isolados de M. anisopliae ( Ma 959, Ma E9 e Ma 319). Os períodos de incubação e eclosão das larvas de todos os ovos tratados foram estatisticamente não significantes (P>0,05). Entretanto, a porcentagem de eclosão das larvas, oriundas dos ovos tratados, foi inversamente proporcional à concentração de conídios/ml. A porcentagem de eclosão variou entre 0 à 26,66% para a concentração 10(8) conídios/ml, e 6,66 à 100% para a concentração 10(5) conídios/ml. A porcentagem de eclosão das larvas de ovos mantidos em temperatura e umidade variáveis foi menor quando comparada com a das larvas de ovos mantidos em temperatura de 27°C e umidade > 80% UR (P<0,05). A CL 50 e 90 para inibição da eclosão das larvas também foi menor em temperatura e umidade variáveis (P< 0,05).

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of two species of fungi Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae on the eggs of the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus at constant (27 ± 1° C and > 80% RH) and variable (25 ± 5° C and > 60% RH), temperatures and humidities. Eggs of R. sanguineus were immersed in four concentrations (10(8), 10(7), 10(6), 10(5) conidia/ml) of two isolated of B. bassiana (Bb 986 and Bb 747) and three isolated of M. anisopliae ( Ma 959, Ma E9 and Ma 319). The incubation and hatch periods of all treated eggs and controls were statistically not significant (P> 0.05). Otherwi- se, the percentage of hatch of larvae in all treated eggs was inversely proportional to the concentration of conidia/ml. The percentage of hatch ranged from 0 to 26.66% for the 10(8) concentration and from 6.66 to 100% for the 10(5) concentration. The percentage of eclosion of eggs maintened at variable temperatures and humiditis were lower as compared with eggs maintened at 27 ± l° C and > 80% RH (P< 0.05). The DL 50 and 90 for inhibicion of eclosion of larvae were also lower at variable temperatures and humidities (P<0.05).

With the purpose of characterize morphologically the hemocytes of larvae and nymphs of Rhipicephalus sanguineus on different nutritional phases, it was obtained samples of haemolymph were obtained by sectioning the forelegs and collecting the drop there formed. After dried, the samples were fixed by methanol and stained by Giemsa. Microscopical observation resulted in the characterization of five basic cellular types: prohemocytes, plasmatocytes, granulocytes, spherulocytes and oenocytoids. Moreover, undefined cell types, whose morphological patterns didn't have correlation with the characteristics cited for hemocytes, were found in low frequency. The change in the relative composition of the haemolimph was characterized by decrease of the number of granulocytes and greater variabilily of the cell types present in the hemolymph as the tick evolved. This fact may be linked to the alterations that these cells suffer along the development of the tick.