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Description of Rhipicephalus hibericus phenology and main hosts in its type locality
Ruth Rodríguez-Pastor1,2, Agustín Estrada-Peña1,2,3, Javier Millán1,4,5
1Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón-IA2 (Universidad de Zaragoza-CITA), Zaragoza, Spain.
Medical and Veterinary Entomology
|October 24, 2025
Summary
This study details the biology and ecology of the Rhipicephalus hibericus tick in Spain. Algerian mice were the primary hosts for larvae and nymphs, with adults active in spring and early summer.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Entomology
- Ecology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Rhipicephalus hibericus is a recently described tick species.
- Understanding its biology is crucial for managing potential disease transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the seasonal dynamics and host preferences of Rhipicephalus hibericus.
- To evaluate environmental factors influencing tick populations.
Main Methods:
- Field study in Zaragoza, Spain, focusing on agricultural and riparian habitats.
- Live-trapping of hosts and molecular blood meal analysis of questing ticks.
- Monitoring of tick abundance in relation to habitat, climate, and host presence.
Main Results:
- Adult Rhipicephalus hibericus activity observed from spring to early summer.
- Higher tick abundance in natural habitats compared to agrarian ones.
- Algerian mouse (Mus spretus), wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus), and shrew (Crocidura russula) were primary hosts for immature stages.
Conclusions:
- Rhipicephalus hibericus exhibits distinct seasonal activity patterns and host associations.
- Ecological factors like habitat significantly influence tick distribution.
- Further research is needed to identify all hosts and understand pathogen transmission risks.
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