Amblyomma variegatum, the tropical bont tick, is a three-host tick.
A single female may lay up to 20,000 eggs. Larvae emerge from the eggs laid on the
ground. Larvae climb onto the grass. Clump together, and wait for an animal to attach.
Larvae become attached to the host (Host #1), usually on hairy parts of the head or
body, especially the muzzle and legs, and feed on blood.
Engorged larvae drop to the ground and moult. Nymphs emerge.
Nymphs attach to another host (Host # 2), also on the hairy parts of the head or body, and feed on
blood. They favor the feet, legs, axillae, groin and belly.
Engorged nymphs drop to the ground and moult. Brightly colored adult males and females
emerge. Only then can we recognize male from female.
The adults find a large ruminant as their third host and attach in the groin and
tail bush, on the scrotum or udder, anus and around the anus. First the male attaches and produces a chemical to attract the female. The female climbs onto the animal, attaches to the male and they mate.
Engorged females – the largest of all the ticks – drop to the ground 7 to 10
days after attaching, and lay eggs. With up to 20,000 eggs, the cycle begins again.
