Haemaphysalis leporispalustris
This record describes Haemaphysalis leporispalustris (species). Recorded family: Ixodidae. Recorded order: Ixodida.
Identification and Appearance
Transmits Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis . Heavy infestations of this tick can weaken and sometimes kill their hosts, or at least predispose them to other pathogens. This tick is an important reservoir and vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia within sylvatic lagomorph and rodent populations. - UCDavis
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widely dist. throughout N. and S. Amer.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Found on rabbits, other small mammals and birds.
Life History
H. leporispalustris is a 3-host tick. Gravid females drop off their lagomorph (hares and rabbits) host and lay up to 2400 eggs, which hatch in 22-61 days, well timed with the host's natural resting habits. The resulting larvae feed on rodents and ground-dwelling birds, drop off their hosts, and molt. Nymphs similarly feed on rodents and birds (rarely cattle and deer), drop off and molt. The adult stage feeds exclusively on rabbits and hares. Mating occurs on the host. - UCDavis
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: leporispalustris - Latin for marsh hare
About Ticks: the wider group
Order-level background for Ixodida, the group containing Haemaphysalis leporispalustris. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Haemaphysalis leporispalustris
What is Haemaphysalis leporispalustris?
Haemaphysalis leporispalustris is a species in the family Ixodidae, within the order Ixodida.
How big is Haemaphysalis leporispalustris?
Length of unengorged adults: 1.7-2.5 mm - UCDavis
Where is Haemaphysalis leporispalustris found?
Range: Widely dist. throughout N. and S. Amer.
What does Haemaphysalis leporispalustris eat?
The diet of the Haemaphysalis leporispalustris includes Found on rabbits, other small mammals and birds..
What is the life cycle of a Haemaphysalis leporispalustris?
H. leporispalustris is a 3-host tick. Gravid females drop off their lagomorph (hares and rabbits) host and lay up to 2400 eggs, which hatch in 22-61 days, well timed with the host's natural resting habits. The resulting larvae feed on rodents and ground-dwelling birds, drop off their hosts, and molt. Nymphs similarly feed on rodents and birds (rarely cattle and deer), drop off and molt. The adult stage feeds exclusively on rabbits and hares. Mating occurs on the host. - UCDavis