Ixodes trianguliceps

Also known as the Vole tick, shrew tick

Hosts

Small mammals: bank vole, shrew, mouse, rat, hedgehog, mole, rabbit, hare, fox, squirrel, horse (occasionally), human (occasionally)

Distribution

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

Ixodes trianguliceps is generally found in the nests/burrows of its host in forest areas where the environment has a high humidity, however it has also been found at high altitudes of up to 2400m and treeless areas.

Pathogenesis

Rodents: Tick-borne encephalitis, Francisella tularensis

Other pathogens and diseases I. trianguliceps is associated with includes:

Babesia microti

Coxiella burneti

Borrelia burgdorferi

Louping-ill virus (Britain)

Description

Adult female dorsal features

• Lateral projections on the base of article i
• Palps narrow
• Cornua indistinct
• Tarsus I slender and lacks step
• Unfed females can measure between 2.0mm-2.4mm in length
• Engorged females can measure up to 8.0mm in length

(Specimen courtesy of the Natural History Museum, London)

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

Adult female ventral features

• Auriculae indistinct
• Coxae I: lacks spurs
• Coxae II-IV: lack spurs
• Genital opening located between coxae III

(Specimen courtesy of the Natural History Museum, London)

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

Adult male dorsal features

• Legs short
• Palps short, hypostome nearly toothless
• Tarsus I slender and lacks step
• Males can measure between 1.8mm-2.2mm in length

(Specimen courtesy of the Natural History Museum, London)

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

Adult male ventral features

• Auriculae indistinct
• Coxae I: lacks spurs
• Coxae II-IV: lack spurs
• Median plate almost square in shape

(Specimen courtesy of the Natural History Museum, London)

Adult male ventral view (click on pictures for a close up)