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Use of Taylor's Power Law in examining the spatial distribution of free-livingBoophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) larvae in pastures in Puerto Rico

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Abstract

Taylor's power law (y=am b) was used to analyze the spatial pattern ofBoophilus microplus (Canestrini) larvae in tropical pastures. The index of aggregationb was 2.75 and showed that larvae were highly aggregated. Theb-values differed significantly among certain pastures (LSD,P<0.05), and pasture type and use could have contributed to differences inb. The use of Taylor's power law to adjust for sampling inconsistencies that occur in tropical pastures where regimented sampling cannot always be followed is discussed.

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Author notes

  1. R. H. Zimmerman

    Present address: Tennessee Valley Authority, Land Between The Lakes, 42231, Goldon Pond, KY, USA

  2. G. I. Garris

    Present address: Lone Star Tick Research Laboratory, USDA Agricultural Research Service, P.O. Box 588, 74953, Poteau, OK, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Crop Protection, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, 00708, Mayaguez, PR, USA

    R. H. Zimmerman

  2. Tropical Tick Research Laboratory, USDA Agricultural Research Service, P.O. Box 70, 00709, Mayaguez, PR, USA

    G. I. Garris

Authors
  1. R. H. Zimmerman
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  2. G. I. Garris
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Zimmerman, R.H., Garris, G.I. Use of Taylor's Power Law in examining the spatial distribution of free-livingBoophilus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) larvae in pastures in Puerto Rico. Exp Appl Acarol 3, 207–211 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01270456

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01270456

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