Locomotor activity of adult <i>Dermacentor reticulatus</i> ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in natural conditions

Abstract

Introduction and objective. Expansion into new areas and the great epidemiological significance of the D. reticulatus tick in Europe prompts investigations of its ethology. Therefore, the locomotor activity of D. reticulatus adult stages in an optimal habitat during the spring and autumn activity periods was analysed. Materials and method. Marked D. reticulatus adults were placed at the central point of each experimental plot. At regular time intervals, specimens attached to the cloth used in the flagging method were collected, and the distance covered by the ticks was measured. In each collection round, the temperature and humidity level in the habitat was also measured. Results. Within 7 weeks, adult D. reticulatus ticks can cover an average distance of 60.71±44 cm. The locomotor activity of adult stages is greater during the spring than the autumn activity period. Questing, females cover a greater distance (66.35±100 cm) than male ticks (54.85±45 cm). Adult stages are characterised by greater aggressiveness 24 hours after being released, i.e. 30% of females and 19% of males attempt to attach to host skin. The locomotor activity in adult ticks depends on the humidity of the habitat (Z=-1.198; p=0.050). The temperature does not affect tick walking. Conclusions. Given the low rates of horizontal locomotion of adult D. reticulatus ticks, the prevalence of the species in nature is determined by the presence of their hosts and humidity conditions ensuring their further development and survival. The dependence of D. reticulatus locomotor activity and aggressiveness on the humidity level implies an increased risk of host attacks in locations and periods that offer favourable humidity conditions for this species.

The Potential Role of Migratory Birds in the Rapid Spread of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in the Changing Climatic and Environmental Conditions in Europe

“…Ixodes scapularis nymphs and adults, cover a distance of only 2-3 m and 5 m, respectively [18]. Within 7 weeks, adult D. reticulatus ticks can cover an average distance of 60.71 ± 44 cm [19]. Ticks are transmitted from one habitat to another mainly by avian and mammalian hosts [20][21][22][23].…”

“…We found labelled unengorged adult D. reticulatus ticks at a distance of 2 to 3 km away from the site where they were released. They were probably transferred on mammalian fur or on the clothes of forest workers that were present in the habitats of these ticks [19], (Bzowski, unpublished data). In favourable conditions, ticks can colonise a new habitat and reproduce successfully.…”

Conspecific hyperparasitism in the <i>Hyalomma excavatum</i> tick and considerations on the biological and epidemiological implications of this phenomenon

“…Over 7 weeks, D. reticulatus females and males at an average temperature of 18.3 °C and 56.7% humidity in the habitat, moved horizontally over a distance of only 66.35±100 cm and 54.85±45 cm, respectively [39]. I. scapularis adult stages cover a distance of 5 -6 m over 3 -4 weeks [40], and I. ricinus females and males move for a distance of ca.…”

A unique phenomenon of oral-anal contact between ticks observed in two tick species <i>Ixodes ricinus</i> and <i>Dermacentor reticulatus</i>

“…Under the influence of carbon dioxide exhaled by the researchers, i.e. potential hosts, and their smell, as well as the rise in the temperature and changes in ambient humidity, which generally influence tick host seeking behaviour [10][11][12][13][14], the D. reticulatus female with the attached I. ricinus male moved quickly around the Petri dish. The intensified locomotor activity of the female did not alter the degree of attachment of the hypostome of the I. ricinus male in its anal opening ( Fig.…”