Ixodes apronophorus

Also known as the Marsh tick

Hosts

Water vole, bank vole, field vole

Distribution

UK: East Anglia

Switzerland

Germany

Denmark

Poland

Ixodes apronophorus is mainly found in marshes, reedbeds, lakesides and around river banks.

Pathogenesis

Water voles: Francisella tularensis

Description

Adult female dorsal features

• Palps long and narrow
• Cornua prominent
• Tarsus I ends with a steep taper
• Unfed females can measure between 2.3mm-2.6mm in length
• Engorged females can measure up to 6.0mm in length

(Photograph copyright Natural History Museum, London)

Adult female dorsal view (click on pictures for a close up)

Adult female ventral features

• Auriculae prominent and blunt
• Coxae I: prominent internal and external spurs
• Coxae II: short internal and external spurs
• Coxae III-IV: indistinct external spurs

Adult male dorsal features

• Palps long and narrow
• Cornua prominent
• Tarsus I ends with a steep taper
• Length of male range between 2.0mm-2.2mm

Adult male ventral features

• Coxae I: prominent internal and external spurs
• Coxae II: short internal and external spurs
• Coxae III-IV: indistinct external spurs
• Auriculae short and blunt
• Epimeral plates absent