Most studies on ecological impact of solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation on terrestrial ecosystems focus on plants. However, UV radiation can also affect organisms such Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (Koch 1844) also known as the blue tick. Increased solar UV radiation may exert effects on terrestrial ecosystems through actions on microbes, plants and possibly on some animals. Seven groups of 10 Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus female per group were weighed and exposed to UV radiation at a wavelength of 253.5nm for 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180min in petri dish. After 14days, the number of females laying eggs was recorded and the eggs were collected and weighed. The hatchability of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus eggs exposed to UV radiation and the activity of the irradiated larvae were examined. The percentage of egg-laying inhibition observed in the oviposition capacity test varied between 6.86% and 38.64%. Hatchability decreased with increasing exposure to radiation. The difference in hatchability of eggs irradiated for 180min was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the hatchability of the non-irradiated eggs. The survival rate of irradiated larvae decreased with increasing exposure to UV irradiation. Oviposition after exposure to UV decline; there was also a decline in the hatchability of eggs directly exposed to UV radiation and eggs laid by irradiated engorged female ticks. The effect UV radiation could influence the population dynamic of the ticks as well which might affect disease transmission.
