[Ecology of ixodid ticks from small mammals in the Leningrad oblast]

Collections from rodents conducted over a period of 11 years in natural nidi of tularemia in the Leningrad region include the ticks of Ixodes persulcatus, I. ricinus, I. trianguliceps and I. apronophorus. The redbacked vole is the main host of I. trianguliceps larvae. The larvae of this species have two peaks of abundance, in June and September. Larvae and other developmental phases of I. apronophorus were most abundant on water vole in June. Larvae of I. persulcatus and I. ricinus feed on small mammals in general but the latter are unessential in the feeding of nymphs.