Ixodes

Ixodes is a genus of hard-bodied ticks (family Ixodidae). It includes important disease vectors of animals and humans and has species that are distributed worldwide.

Description

The genus Ixodes is the largest in the family Ixodidae, containing over 240 species. The adults are distinguished by the presence of a rigid shield (scutum) and the absence of eyes and festoons. The capitulum (mouthparts) is visible from above.

Life cycle

The life cycle of Ixodes ticks involves three active stages: larva, nymph, and adult. Each stage requires a blood meal from a host animal. The life cycle can take up to three years to complete.

Disease transmission

Ixodes ticks are vectors for a number of diseases, including Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. The ticks become infected with the pathogens when they feed on infected hosts. The pathogens are then transmitted to new hosts during subsequent feedings.

Species

There are over 240 species in the genus Ixodes. Some of the most notable include:

• Ixodes scapularis – the black-legged tick or deer tick, a vector of Lyme disease in North America
• Ixodes pacificus – the western black-legged tick, another vector of Lyme disease in North America
• Ixodes ricinus – the castor bean tick, a vector of Lyme disease in Europe
• Ixodes holocyclus – the Australian paralysis tick

See also

• Tick-borne disease
• Tick paralysis

External links

• CDC - Ticks

Ixodes Resources
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