ARACHNIDS: Ixodidae spp. Flashcards
What characteristics are associated with arachnids?
- Palps, no antennae
- Egg - Larvae - Nymphs - Adults
- Larvae have 3 pairs of legs
- Cephalothorax and abdominal regions
Ixodids are considered ____ ______, as a result of their scutum present on their abdomen.
Hard ticks
What factors are associated with ixodid life cycle timing?
- Species of ticks
- Environmental conditions
- Availability of suitable hosts
What damaging effects are they asociated with?
- Sucking blood
- Disease transmission
- Tick paralysis
- Lesions
What is the common name for Ixodes spp.?
Black-legged tick, Deer tick
What can larvae and nymphs feed on during development?
Larvae = mice
Nymphs = deer
How can Ixodes be identified based on their morphology
- No festoons
- Long palps
- Inornate scutum
- Anterior groove forms an arch to the anus
What characteristics are associated with the Ixodes spp.?
- Three host tick
- Females engorge themselves, small scutum
- Lay eggs in spring after overwintering
What areas are highly prevalent to Ixodes infestations?
Axilla, ears, inguinal region, and face
What bacterium is transmitted by Ixodes?
Borrelia burgdorferi, anaplasma, and Babesia microti
What common names are associated with Dermacentor spp.?
- D. variabilis* = American dog tick
- D. andersoni* = RM Wood tick
Dermacentor larvae and nymphs will feed on _________, while adults will feed on dogs, people, and large hosts.
Rodents
True or False: Dermacentor spp. are the most common ticks in N. America.
True
How can Dermacentor adults be identified based on their morphology?
- Rectangular basis capituli
- Short palps
- Ornate scutum
- Festoons
What areas are higly prevalent to infestations of Dermacentor spp.?
Head and neck
What transmission is associated with Dermacentor?
RMSF, cytauzoonosis, tularemia, and tick paralysis
What is the common name for Rhipicephalus sanguineus?
Brown dog tick, Kennel tick
What tick is the most common in the southern U.S., and has also adapted to living indoors?
Rhipicephalus sanguineus
How can Rhipicephalus sanguineus be identified based on its morphology?
- Hexagonal basis capituli
- Short palps
- Inornate scutum
- Festoons
Where will Rhipicephalus sanguinues be most likely found?
Adults = skin between ears and toes
Larvae/ Nymphs = back of neck
What transmission is associated with Rhipicephalus sanguineus?
Babesia canis, Ehrlichia canis, RMSF, and also tick paralysis
What is associated with tick paralysis?
The presence of a neurotoxin produced in the tick’s salivary gland.
After prolonged attachment, the engorged tick transmits the toxin to its host, leading to paralysis.
What common names are associated with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp.?
- Rhipicephalus spp. = blue tick
- R. annulatus = cattle fever tick
- R. microplus = tropical cattle tick
How can Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. be identified based on their morphology?
- Hexagonal basis capituli
- Prominent dorsal ridges
- Short palps
