What microscopic feature differs between D. andersoni and D. variabilis spiracular plates?
Answer
The number and size of goblet cells
Although both *Dermacentor andersoni* and *Dermacentor variabilis* belong to the same genus and share general traits like ornamentation on the scutum, species-level differentiation often relies on microscopic examination of respiratory structures. Specifically, the spiracular plates—the respiratory openings—differ between these species based on the quantity and dimensions of specialized structures known as goblet cells. For *D. andersoni*, counts often range between 100 to 200 goblet cells, providing a critical diagnostic marker to distinguish it from *D. variabilis* when detailed morphological analysis is required.
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