Spatial and temporal distribution of Ixodes dammini (Acari: Ixodidae) in a northwestern Illinois state park

Five km of hiking trails in Castle Rock State Park in Ogle Co., Ill., were drag-sampled for Ixodes dammini Spielman, Clifford, Piesman & Corwin between 15 May and 19 October 1989. Densities of nymphs peaked on 22 June, larval densities peaked on 9 August, and adult densities had two peaks, 15 May and 19 October. The terrain crossed by the trails consisted of woods and meadow. There were no discernible habitat preferences for adult females, but nymphs and larvae were most numerous in the woods. Peak nymph density averaged one nymph per 28.5 m in woods, one nymph per 67 m in mixed habitat, and one nymph per 194 m in meadow. The results of this study are consistent with previously published data from the east coast of the United States. Recoveries of nymphs using a modified tick drag, consisting of one dozen 0.5-m strips, and the standard 1-m design were compared.