Amblyomma rotundatum
This record describes Amblyomma rotundatum (species). Recorded family: Ixodidae. Recorded order: Ixodida.
Identification and Appearance
Was likely brought in by accident in the 1930s when the giant or marine toad was introduced to help control beetle pests in sugar cane fields. If not then, then it was between 1955-1964 when the toads were introduced in the Miami area
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Neotropical species established in FL
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: mostly reptiles and amphibians
Life History
Parthenogenetic, though males are occasionally found in some South American populations
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amblyomma rotundatum Koch 1844
About Ticks: the wider group
Order-level background for Ixodida, the group containing Amblyomma rotundatum. 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 Amblyomma rotundatum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tyler Hedlund; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Amblyomma rotundatum
What is Amblyomma rotundatum?
Amblyomma rotundatum is a species in the family Ixodidae, within the order Ixodida.
Where is Amblyomma rotundatum found?
Range: Neotropical species established in FL
What does Amblyomma rotundatum eat?
The diet of the Amblyomma rotundatum includes hosts: mostly reptiles and amphibians.
What is the life cycle of a Amblyomma rotundatum?
Parthenogenetic, though males are occasionally found in some South American populations