[Dönitz writes of these: "I can't determine those otherwise than as Rhip. capensis. Neumann's Rhip. compositus from Khartoum is unknown to me from personal observation; it is stated not to have confluent punctations (if my memory serves me right). In all specimens I have examined this depends much on the illumination. If you place horizontally & illuminate a it from head end, the punctations all appear discrete. Illuminate the tick sideways and punctations appear arranged in rows & partly confluent. The Rhipicephalus from German S. W. Africa have somewhat fewer punctations than my specimens from Central Africa, & for this reason agree more closely with Rhipicephalus compositus" [Dönitz thinks that when Neumann described his R. compositus he was unable to determine the specimens from Koch's description & figures. Later he saw they were one and the same, but wishing to save his name he sought for differences which he thought to find in the punctations. If such differences exist can only be decided upon the examination of further ticks from the South, which we should get easier than he can]. He presents us with 329 and 330 for our collection. (Free translation of a letter from Prof. Dönitz by G.H.F.N. 29.X.1907) 2♂ Rhipicephalus jeanneli 1 Rhipicephalus punctatus Arusha (03.22 S, 36.41 E), Tanzania Sent 1907 Sent by Professor W. Dönitz |