Cayenne Tick
Amblyomma cajennense
This record describes Amblyomma cajennense (species). Recorded family: Ixodidae. Recorded order: Ixodida.
Identification and Appearance
Note: its presence in other parts of North America probably represent introductions that may not be established. Part of a difficult species complex, this species may be A. mixtum based on range. Will revisit after checking more resources. TJH
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
San Antonio, TX to n. Argentina / Jamaica - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Over 25 documented hosts, including humans, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, and pigs.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amblyomma cajennense Fabricius, 1787
About Ticks: the wider group
Order-level background for Ixodida, the group containing Amblyomma cajennense. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Ixodida (ticks) includes ~900 described species in two major families: hard ticks (Ixodidae, ~700 species) and soft ticks (Argasidae, ~200 species). Ticks can increase their body weight by 200-600× when engorged with blood.
Ecological role of the group
Ticks are obligate blood-feeding parasites at all life stages after hatching. A single female can lay 3,000-8,000 eggs. Ticks can transmit more different pathogens than any other arthropod group - including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa simultaneously.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Tick-borne diseases are the most common vector-borne illnesses in the U.S. - Lyme disease alone accounts for 82% of all tickborne disease reports (CDC). Annual cases more than doubled from 22,000 to 48,000 between 2004-2016. Tick-related economic losses in U.S. cattle alone exceed $3 billion annually.
Recorded sources for this group: CDC tick surveillance data, USDA veterinary entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cayenne Tick (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Tyler Hedlund
Frequently Asked Questions About Cayenne Tick
What is Cayenne Tick?
Cayenne Tick (Amblyomma cajennense) is a species in the family Ixodidae, within the order Ixodida.
Where is Cayenne Tick found?
Range: San Antonio, TX to n. Argentina / Jamaica - Map
What does Cayenne Tick eat?
The diet of the Cayenne Tick includes Over 25 documented hosts, including humans, horses, cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, and pigs..