Fig. 7

Key morphological characters of Ixodes theilerae female. A Morphology of scutum (1—scutum widest slightly anterior to midlength; 2—cervical grooves broad, shallow; 3—surface finely punctuate, with lateral rugosities; 4—bristles (hair covering) in lateral fields and mid-region of scutum). B Dorsal view of basis capituli and palps (1—cornuae short posterolateral projections; 2—posterior margin slightly concave; 3—basis laterally undulate, with anteriolateral protuberance (beneath which the auriculae are visible); 4—palpal segment II with longitudinal and transverse groove, outer profile irregular; 5—palpal segment III outer profile straight). C Ventral view of basis capituli and palps (1—scapulae sharp, pointed; 2—auriculae terminate in sharp, straight edge; 3—palpal segment I with mesoventral, plate-like projection; 4—ventral edge of palpal segment III sinusoid; 5—transverse groove behind auriculae, at the level of "waist"). D Coxae I-II and trochanter I (1—coxa II with thickened posterointernal margin; 2—large external spur on coxae I-IV; 3—trochanteral spurs (I-III) short). E Spiracle opening (subcircular, macula excentric, surrounded by a “C” chape area void of aeropyles, the latter in 2–5 rows)