Ixodes hexagonus

Also known as the Hedgehog tick

Hosts

Hedgehog, dog, cat, fox, sheep, horse

Distribution

UK, Ireland, France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain

Ixodes hexagonus can be found in many different types of environments, ranging from forests, caves, above 1800m and in more urban settings, such as parks.  This species is the most common tick found on cats and the second most common tick found on dogs.

Pathogenesis

Borrelia

Lyme borreliosis

 Other pathogens and diseases associated with I. hexagonus include:

Babesia microti (human babesiosis)

Rickettsia conori (boutonneuse fever)

Description

Adult female dorsal features

• Palps slope inwards
• Tarsi I are stepped
• Cornua triangular (not prominent)
• Length of unfed female ranges between 3.5mm-4.0mm
• Fully engorged females can measure up to 13mm in length

Adult female dorsal view and adult female close up of gnathosoma. (Click on pictures for a close up)

Close up of first Tarsus of the first leg. (Click on picture for a close up)

Adult female ventral features

• Auriculae are indistinct
• Coxae I: short, distinct internal spur
• Coxae II-IV: indistinct external spurs
• Genital aperture position between coxae III

Adult female ventral view and adult female close up of coxae/ventral gnathosoma. (Click on pictures for a close up)

Adult male dorsal features

• Hypostome nearly toothless
• Body broad oval
• Tarsus I humped as in female
• Overall length ranges between 3.5mm-3.8mm

Adult male dorsal view and adult male close up of gnathosoma. (Click on pictures for a close up)

Adult male ventral features

• Coxae I: prominent internal spur
• Coxae II-IV: indistinct external spurs
• Median plate almost as wide as it is long
• Pre-genital plate is hexagonal in shape

Adult male ventral view and adult male close up of coxae/ventral gnathosoma. (Click on pictures for a close up)