[Reason for fluctuation in the demographic structure of the taiga tick population (Ixodidae) in dark conifer-leaf forests of Kemchug Upland].

: It was found out, that mean ratio of unfed taiga ticks Ixodes persulcatus having a life cycle of 3-5 and 6 years counts respectively (N = 6) 33.6, 52.8, 13.2 and 0.4%. Data on absolute number of I. persulcatus individuals in the process of onthogenesis is given. It is shown, that mortality of different unfed stages increases from larva to imago. In the autumn-winter period, the mean ratio of eliminated individuals counted 16% of larvae, 20% of nymphs, and 38 of imago. The mortality in the spring-summer period caused mainly by the deficit of hosts and counted for these stages 3, 82 and 98% respectively. Engorged ticks successfully undertake unfavorable conditions both in the spring-summer and autumn-winter periods. Their mean mortality in the period from feeding to moulting does not exceed 12%.