MALDI spectra of Ixodes scapularis synganglia (A) and hindgut extract (B). The peaks are annotated based on the [M+H]+ with the peptide sequences in parentheses. The “a” notation at C-termini represents putative amidation on the C-terminus of the peptide. Note that five common peaks, [M+H]+ 1178 (FGLamide related allatostatin 1, FGLa/AST1), 1321 (myoinhibitory peptide 2, MIP2), 1395 (SIFamide), 1566 and 1625 (FGLa/AST2) were found in both extracts. The unknown peak at 1566 Da (question mark) still awaits identification. The hindgut extract includes a small portion of posterior midgut, rectal sac, and anal canal.