Saturday, February 6, 2016

Answer to Case 384

Answer: Amblyomma americanum, molting nymph.

This is an amazing case because it demonstrates the rarely-seen stage of a nymph molting into an adult female. Note that the outer skin (exuvium) is still present, including the nymphal scutum. We can also see the body of the adult beneath the outer skin, and identify the adult scutum with characteristic macula of Amyblyomma americanum. So we have a tick with 2 scuta!

Sadly, the tick died before it could split the nymphal exuvium (outer skin) and emerge.
Thanks again to Dr. Stromdahl for sharing this case with us!

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