Ixodes affinis
This record describes Ixodes affinis (species). Recorded family: Ixodidae. Recorded order: Ixodida.
Identification and Appearance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | hypostome with large lateral teeth, small mesal teeth; central portion of scutum with deep punctures |
| Females | trochanters without spurs; basis capituli without rounded process on either projecting anteriorly on each side of hypostome; hypostome dentition less than 5/5; posterior margin of basis capituli straight dorsally; scutum not rough and with deep punctures, posteriorly Females differ from I. scapularis in having deep punctures on posterior of scutum and very long coxa I spurs. |
Classification
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia; also through Central and South America
Diet and Behavior
Diet: " I. affinis adults are known to feed on large mammals like white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ), whereas immatures generally parasitize small mammal hosts, including mice, rats, and shrews" but also several types of passerine birds. (Heller et al. Journal of Medical Entomology, 53, 2016, 441–445)
About Ticks: the wider group
Order-level background for Ixodida, the group containing Ixodes affinis. 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 Ixodes affinis (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Matt Bertone
Frequently Asked Questions About Ixodes affinis
What is Ixodes affinis?
Ixodes affinis is a species in the family Ixodidae, within the order Ixodida.
How do you identify Ixodes affinis?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | hypostome with large lateral teeth, small mesal teeth; central portion of scutum with deep punctures |
| Females | trochanters without spurs; basis capituli without rounded process on either projecting anteriorly on each side of hypostome; hypostome dentition less than 5/5; posterior margin of basis capituli straight dorsally; scutum not rough and with deep punctures, posteriorly Females differ from I. scapularis in having deep punctures on posterior of scutum and very long coxa I spurs. |
Where is Ixodes affinis found?
Range: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia; also through Central and South America
What does Ixodes affinis eat?
The diet of the Ixodes affinis includes I. affinis adults are known to feed on large mammals like white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ), whereas immatures generally parasitize small mammal hosts, including mice, rats, and shrews but also several types of passerine birds. (Heller et al. Journal of Medical Entomology, 53, 2016, 441–445).