Free-living ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Iguaçu National Park, Brazil: Temporal dynamics and questing behavior on vegetation

A comprehensive study of tick species, seasonal activity, and questing behavior in Iguaçu National Park revealed distinct patterns linked to host size and altitude. Nine tick species were identified, with Amblyomma brasiliense and A. coelebs being the most abundant. Tick activity showed strong seasonal trends, with each life stage prevailing in a specific season, suggesting one generation per year. Questing height varied significantly by species, developmental stage, and altitude, with adults preferring higher vegetation to target larger hosts, while larvae were also found at elevated heights. The research highlights A. incisum as more prevalent at higher altitudes compared to A. coelebs. This baseline data is crucial for understanding tick-borne disease epidemiology in anthropogenically impacted landscapes.

Suzin, A., Vogliotti, A., Nunes, P. H., Barbieri, A. R. M., Labruna, M. B., & Szabó, M. P. J. (2020). Free-living ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Iguaçu National Park, Brazil: Temporal dynamics and questing behavior on vegetation. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, 11(5), 101471. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ttbdis.2020.101471