Ixodes unicavatus

Also known as the Cormorant tick

Hosts

Marine and coastal birds: cormorant, shag, puffin, rock pipit, gyr falcon

Distribution

UK, Ireland, France, Sweden (rare)

Ixodes unicavatus in generally found in rocky locations and can be found either on host, in nests or under stones near to the hosts location

Pathogenesis

Unknown

Description

Adult female dorsal features

• Undivided porose area
• Palps blunt and widely separated
• Cornua absent
• Tarsus I with rounded hump
• Unfed females can measure between 3.5mm-4.5mm in length
• Engorged females can measure up to 10mm in length

(Specimen courtesy of the Natural History Museum, London)

Adult female dorsal view and close up of the dorsal gnathosoma (click on pictures for a close up)

Adult female ventral features

• Auriculae indistinct and ridged
• Coxae I: lacks internal spur, external spur is distinct
• Coxae II-IV:prominent short external spurs

(Specimen courtesy of the Natural History Museum, London)

Adult female ventral view and close up of the gnathosoma (click on pictures for a close up)

Adult male dorsal features

• Anterior spur of coxae I visible
• Posterior fringe of brush setae present 
• Palps blunt and widely separated
• Cornua absent
• Tarsus I with rounded hump
• Males can measure approximately 4.0mm in length

Adult male ventral features

• Auriculae slightly more distinct than in females-no ridges
  
• Coxae I: lacks internal spur, external spur is distinct
• Coxae II-IV: prominent short external spurs