Assessment of potential effects and detection efficacy of a fluorescent marking system on a medically important hard tick,Haemaphysalis longicornis(Acari: Ixodidae)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Although Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae) is an important disease vector, its small size restricts the tracking methods applicable. Recently, fluorescent marking as a conventional detection method for small arthropods has been improved by combining it with an ultraviolet laser. We examined the application potential of this new fluorescent marking system (FMS) for tracking H. longicornis by evaluating the effect of fluorescent marking on the ticks and detection efficacy. RESULTS Under laboratory conditions, fluorescent marking did not significantly affect the survivorship, movement patterns, and CO2 response of H. longicornis at all three developmental stages. Fluorescent‐marked individuals could be detected at distances ranging from 12 to 29 m under dark, increasing with the body size. Finally, in grassland, >90% of fluorescent‐marked individuals were retrieved at night regardless of developmental stage. However, the overall detection rate (<42%) was substantially reduced during the day. CONCLUSIOIN Our results show that FMS can reliably detect H. longicornis at night. Nevertheless, fluorescent‐marked individuals are not as conspicuous under sunlight when they are illuminated with ultraviolet lasers, limiting the use of FMS during the day. Therefore, the development of an alternative tracking method is warranted for an effective detection of ticks during the day. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry

Dispersal and oviposition patterns of Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) during the oviposition period in Ailanthus altissima (Simaroubaceae)

“…Therefore, the fluorescent marking system can be an effective tool to study the movement of SLF for both nymphs and adults. In addition to the conventional use of fluorescent marking for nighttime tracking 21 , 22 , 25 , 26 , fluorescent marking was effective in this study for the detection of SLF under the shadow created by tree canopy even during daytime.…”

“…In particular, to investigate the dispersal pattern of SLF within and among different A . altissima patches, we tracked the movement of SLF using a fluorescent marking system (FMS) 21 , 22 . Then, in December, we surveyed the location, number, and size of SLF egg masses on A .…”

Dispersal and Oviposition Patterns of Lycorma Delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) During Oviposition Period in Ailanthus Altissima (Simaroubaceae)

“…Therefore, the uorescent marking system can be an effective tool to study the movement of SLF for both nymphs and adults. In addition to the conventional use of uorescent marking for nighttime tracking 20,21,23,28 , uorescent marking was effective in this study for the detection of SLF under the shadow created by tree canopy even during daytime.…”

“…Dispersal of SLF adults was tracked using a uorescent marking system (FMS), which has been demonstrated to be applicable for multiple insect species including SLF nymphs. [20][21][22] To mark the SLF, either red, yellow, or blue uorescent paint (BioQuip Products, USA) was diluted with distilled water (1:4). The mixture was then gently sprayed three times (ca.…”

“…12,17 In particular, to investigate the dispersal pattern of SLF within and among different A. altissima patches, we tracked the movement of SLF using a uorescent marking system (FMS). 20,21 Then, in December, we surveyed the location, number, and size of SLF egg masses on A. altissima trees and analyzed the oviposition patterns relative to the traits of A. altissima surveyed.…”