Geotropic, hydrokinetic and random walking differ between sympatric tick species: the deer tick Ixodes scapularis and the lone star tick Ambylomma americanum

Otálora-Luna, Fernando; Dickens, Joseph C.; Brinkerhoff, Jory; Li, Andrew Y.

doi:10.1007/s10164-021-00741-y

Cited by 2 publications

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“…Behavioral differences between A. americanum and I. scapularis may be related to their specific innate behaviors. We observed that A. americanum is reluctant to walk up, i.e., they tend to exhibit positive geotropism [66].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 77%

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Behavior of Nymphs and Adults of the Black-Legged Tick Ixodes scapularis and the Lone Star Tick Ambylomma americanum in Response to Thermal Stimuli

Otálora-Luna

Dickens

Brinkerhoff

et al. 2022

Insects

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Ticks use chemical and thermal signals emitted by humans and other vertebrates to locate suitable hosts for a blood meal. Here, we study the behavior of black-legged Ixodes scapularis and the lone star ticks Amblyomma americanum exposed to heat sources held at temperatures near those of vertebrate hosts (32 °C). First, we used a locomotion compensator to test behavioral responses of ticks to an infrared light emitting diode (LED). The servosphere allowed us to measure parameters such as velocity, acceleration, linearity, and orientation. Then a heating element (Peltier) located in one of the extremes of a double-choice vertical rod (flying T), was employed to observe upward movement of the ticks toward such a heat source. While both species oriented toward the LED, only lone star ticks were attracted to the Peltier element while climbing upward. In conclusion, we showed that heat attracted ticks from short distances up to several centimeters on a the servosphere, and those responses differed between the two species of ticks on the flying T. We discuss our results in the context of the ecology of both tick species and their potential in tick survey and management.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 77%

“…Perhaps when A. americanum does climb up, they are then "prepared" to respond to a thermal source. While I. scapularis, which tends to be negatively geotropic [66], may accomplish a different strategic searching step prior to sitting and waiting for a hostemitting heat source.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%