Studies on "Haemixodovin", the Pigment in the Eggs of the Cattle Tick Boophilus Microplus(Acarnia: Ixodidae)

Abstract

The pigment present in the eggs of the cattle tick Boophilus microplus is shown to be a chromoprotein made up of a water-insoluble globulin conjugated with the prosthetic group protohaem. The name "haemixodovin" is proposed for the pigment, and its spectral absorption characteristics have been described.