LOCALIZATION OF GLYCOGEN IN THE HEMOCYTES OF THE IXODID TICKS, HYALOMMA-DROMEDARII AND HYALOMMA-ARABICA (ACARI, IXODIDAE)

The glycogen content of the haemocytes of the ixodid ticks, Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma arabica was investigated in males, females and nymphs of both tick species. Granular haemocytes, plasmatocytes and spherulocytes have a large glycogen content, but the oenocytoids and adipohaemocytes have very few glycogen granules, while the prohaemocytes are devoid of glycogen. All haemocytes of unfed ticks of both species, with the exception of granular haemocytes lacked glycogen granules. The glycogen granule counts of the haemocytes of fed female ticks of both species were much larger than those of fed male ticks. The role of glycogen synthesis and its utilization is discussed.