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Also known as the Rabbit tick

 

Hosts

Rabbit, cat, hedgehog, fox, human

 

Distribution

South West England (Lundy and Isles of Scilly), Channel Islands, West Germany, France, Spain

Ixodes ventalloi are mainly found off-host in rabbit burrows and adults are known to be active throughout winter.

 

Pathogenesis

Mainly associated with Eyach virus (Reoviridae, Colorado tick fever group) in rabbits

 

Description

Adult female dorsal features

  • Scapular grooves are present
  • Cornua prominent
  • Tarsi I is tapered
  • Unfed female can measure between 2.0mm and 2.1mm in length
  • Engorged females can measure up to 5.0mm in length

Adult female dorsal view. (Click on picture for a close up)

Adult female ventral features

  • Auriculae are distinct
  • Coxae I: long and distinct internal spurs and short/distinct external spurs
  • Coxae II-IV: indistinct external spurs
  • Genital aperture positioned between coxae IV

Adult female ventral view. (Click on picture for a close up)

Adult male dorsal features

  • Mouthparts small; palps are short and broad
  • Cornua distinct
  • Tarsi I humped
  • Length of Male can range between 1.4mm-1.5mm

Adult male dorsal view. (Click on picture for a close up)

Adult male ventral features

  • Auriculae are absent
  • Coxae I: long and distinct internal spurs
    and short/distinct external spurs
  • Coxae II-IV: indistinct external spurs

Adult male ventral view. (Click on picture for a close up)

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