First described by entomologist and parasitologistHarry Hoogstraal,[5]M. reidi are small ticks, approximately 3.0 mm (0.12 inch) in length and 1.4 mm (0.05 inch) in width.[1] They are dark reddish brown in color, with yellowish legs.[1]M. reidi differs from the other two Margaropus species in that the setae around the posterior end of its body form a continuous fringe and, in comparison to Margaropus winthemi and Margaropus wileyi, its anal plates are more bluntly pointed.[2]
The ecological requirements of M. reidi are similar to those of M. wileyi, but differ abruptly from those of M. winthemi. The vegetation in the area where it is found is largely broadleaf forests and woodlands with a mean annual rainfall of over 900 mm (35 inches), a mean monthly maximum temperature that falls below 30 °C (86 °F) for a relatively short period and exceeds 35 °C (95 °F) during the hot season.[2]
^ abcdeWalker, JB; Laurence, BR (March 1973). "Margaropus wileyi sp. nov. (ixodoidea, Ixodidae), a new species of tick from the reticulated giraffe". The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research. 40 (1): 13–21. PMID4717634.
^Harry Hoogstraal: African Ixodoidea. I. Ticks of The Sudan (with Special Reference to Equatoria Province and with Prellminary Reviews of the Genera Boophilus, Margaropus, and Hyalomma). U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 3 Research Report NM 005 050.29.07, 1956.
