Experimental and Applied Acarology最新文献

{"title":"Seasonal population dynamics, species aggregation, and preferred attachment sites of ixodid ticks infesting cattle in northwest Ethiopia.","authors":"Zewdu Seyoum Tarekegn, Alemayehu Eshetie, Nega Yismaw Alemu, Shimelis Dagnachew Nigatu, Wassie Molla, Sefinew Alemu Mekonnen","doi":"10.1007/s10493-026-01130-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10493-026-01130-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This longitudinal study (February 2023 to January 2024) investigated species-specific ixodid tick dynamics on cattle in two contrasting agro-ecological zones of northwest Ethiopia: the semiarid lowland of Fendika (Tach-Armachiho district) and the humid mid-highland of Seguaj (Gondar-Zuria district). The study assessed seasonal dynamics, epidemiological indices, aggregation patterns, and attachment-site preferences in relation to environmental conditions. Sixty-one randomly selected cattle were examined monthly for one year. A total of 12,217 ixodid ticks were collected. The overall mean infestation prevalence was 83.7%, with similar rates in Fendika (84.3%) and Seguaj (83.1%); however, the mean tick burden was higher in Seguaj (23.2 ± 2.3 ticks/animal) than in Fendika (12.9 ± 0.7 ticks/animal). Nine ixodid species from the genera Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus were identified, showing marked variation in abundance and seasonality between agro-ecological zones. Rhipicephalus decoloratus dominated in Seguaj (56.78%), whereas Amblyomma variegatum was more abundant in Fendika (31.64%). Hyalomma rufipes, R. evertsi, and R. praetextatus were also more common in Fendika. Clear species-specific seasonal patterns were observed: R. decoloratus peaked in the post-rainy season, A. variegatum during the main rainy season, and H. rufipes during the hot short-rain season, while immature stages were concentrated mainly in the post-rainy period. Tick distribution was highly aggregated (D > 0.75), indicating that a small proportion of cattle harbored most ticks. Distinct attachment-site preferences were observed; A. variegatum and R. decoloratus favored the dewlap and ventral regions, whereas H. rufipes and R. evertsi primarily infested the anogenital area. In conclusion, ixodid tick dynamics in northwest Ethiopia are structured by species-specific responses to agroecology and climate. Effective control should target peak activity periods of key species, prioritise heavily infested animals, and account for species-specific attachment sites. Although farmers’ acaricide use varied during the study, the consistent seasonal and spatial patterns indicate that environmental drivers remained the primary determinants of tick dynamics.</p>","PeriodicalId":12088,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and Applied Acarology","volume":"96 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147485111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insight into the genetic diversity of Hyalomma scupense, Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis punctata and Argas persicus in Kazakhstan.","authors":"Madina Awulibieer, Zhumanov Kairat Toksanbaevich, Daerhan Maidanniyati, Sansyzbay Abylay Rysbayuli, Khizat Serik, Sándor Hornok, Meihua Yang, Kassen Aigul Zhenisbekkyzy, Yuanzhi Wang, Wurelihazi Hazihan","doi":"10.1007/s10493-025-01078-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10493-025-01078-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hyalomma scupense, Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis punctata and Argas persicus have a broad distribution range across the Palearctic. However, their phylogenetic relationships are rarely reported. In this study, a total of 19,861 nymphs and adult ticks were collected from 41 sampling sites in 22 districts/cities across eight oblasts in the eastern, southern and western parts of Kazakhstan. Thirteen tick species, originated from 608 representative ticks, were identified. Regarding to Hy. scupense, I. persulcatus, Ha. punctata and A. persicus ticks from all sampling sites, 100 representative ticks were further phylogenetically analyzed based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The results showed that (i) Hy. scupense is the most widespread and abundant tick species in Kazakhstan, having ten haplotypes, of which one from East Kazakhstan was the progenitor of that from Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR, northwestern China); (ii) I. persulcatus ticks from Almaty Oblast (eastern Kazakhstan), clustered with those from Burqin County (XUAR), were the progenitors of those from Japan; (iii) Ha. punctata specimens analyzed here had three distinct lineages, and the lineage in Almaty Oblast was originated from ticks reported in Visegrad (Hungary); and (iv) A. persicus ticks in Turkistan Oblast were the progenitors of ticks in Algeria and Egypt. These phylogenetic relationships indicate larger scale genetic exchange between populations of tick species that frequently associate with migratory birds (as exemplified by I. persulcatus and Ha. punctata) or are inadvertently transported with poultry during animal trading (i.e., A. persicus).</p>","PeriodicalId":12088,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and Applied Acarology","volume":"96 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12995914/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147473196","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"DNA barcoding reveals cryptic diversity in chiggers (Trombiculidae) parasitizing small mammals across Peninsular Malaysia.","authors":"Muhammad Al Amin Mohd-Redzuan, Praveena Rajasegaran, Nurul Aini Husin, Muhammad H Syarriman AbdulRahim, Auni Atikah AbdulHalim, Muhammad Rasul Abdullah Halim, Nurul Ashikin Abdullah, Edley A Jiliun, Jing Jing Khoo, Sazaly AbuBakar, Benjamin L Makepeace, Zubaidah Ya'cob","doi":"10.1007/s10493-026-01128-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10493-026-01128-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chiggers (Acariformes: Trombiculidae) are ectoparasites of small mammals and important vectors of scrub typhus, yet their taxonomy and molecular diversity in Southeast Asia remain poorly resolved. This study represents the first DNA barcoding and phylogenetic assessment of chiggers from small mammals across Peninsular Malaysia, integrating mitochondrial (COI) and nuclear (28 S rDNA) genes. A total of 192 chiggers representing 11 morphospecies from six genera were sequenced, with tree topologies inferred using maximum likelihood and supported by multiple species delimitation methods. The COI gene discriminated five species as monophyletic, while analysis of the 28 S rDNA gene clarified phylogenetic relationships within Walchia and Leptotrombidium. Discordance between morphological and molecular boundaries in several taxa, particularly Gahrliepia fletcheri, Leptotrombidium deliense, and Walchiella oudemansi, suggests the existence of cryptic lineages and potential regional diversification. Importantly, this study provides the first molecular records for eight species, including the only barcodes from the genera Gahrliepia and Walchiella worldwide. These findings provide important resources for the molecular identification of Southeast Asian chiggers and underscore the need for integrative approaches combining morphology, molecular data, and biogeography to resolve complex species boundaries and improve vector surveillance for mite-borne diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":12088,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and Applied Acarology","volume":"96 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12995982/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147473180","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tetranychus evansi (Tetranychidae) spider mites now a major solanaceous crop pest in Côte d'Ivoire.","authors":"Emilie Deletre, Chloé Latapie, Alain Migeon, Philippe Auger, Nadia Larpin, Samuel Laboisse, Thibaud Martin","doi":"10.1007/s10493-026-01125-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10493-026-01125-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The West African market gardening sector has been plagued in recent decades by phytophagous mite damage to solanaceous crops. Recent studies in Benin and Burkina Faso have confirmed West African outbreaks of red spider mites (Tetranychus evansi), a novel mite species native to South America, which has now virtually replaced local species. This study aimed to identify the different mite species infesting solanaceous crops in Côte d'Ivoire, while assessing their abundance and mapping their distributions. Tomato, eggplant and African eggplant crops were sampled along a north-south transect. Structured interviews were conducted to gather information on the crop protection practices. We confirmed the presence of the invasive species, Tetranychus evansi, with higher densities noted in the north, where the hot dry climatic conditions were suitable for its development. Local Tetranychus urticae and Polyphagotarsonemus latus species were not very abundant. The highest spider mite diversity was observed in the Abidjan area, where two new species of the T. urticae group were found. Very few Phytoseiidae predatory mites were present, even in plots that had barely been treated or not at all. Five species were identified: Neoseiulus barkeri, Neoseiulus teke, Amblyseius swirskii, Amblyseius tamatavensis, and Paraphytoseius horrifer. These predatory phytoseiid species seemed unable to control T. evansi populations. According to farmers, abamectin was the only pesticide effective for controlling these pests. To reduce the chemical control intensity, biological control based on the introduction and dissemination of a specific predatory mite such as Phytoseiulus longipes could be considered on a national and regional scale.</p>","PeriodicalId":12088,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and Applied Acarology","volume":"96 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12988908/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147456493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of tick populations associated with capybaras in natural reserves and human-modified environments with or without invasive plants in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.","authors":"Matheus Pasini-Martins, Rubia Diaz Taveiros Kuhne, Carolina Moura de Oliveira, Lina C Binder, Igor S Silito, Adriano Pinter, Fernanda B Passos Nunes, Thiago F Martins, José Henrique de Hildebrand E Grisi Filho, Wayne Dawson, Philip A Stephens, Dalva Maria da Silva Matos, Marcelo B Labruna","doi":"10.1007/s10493-026-01127-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10493-026-01127-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In southeastern Brazil, capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are main hosts of the ticks Amblyomma dubitatum and Amblyomma sculptum; the latter has great medical importance for being the main vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF). This study aimed to quantify ticks in areas invaded and not invaded by exotic plants (Hedychium coronarium, Cenchrus purpureus or Megathyrsus maximus) within capybaras' living areas in São Paulo state. Tick populations were quantified in 24 capybara habitats, eight in natural reserves and 16 human-modified landscapes; the latter were composed of eight BSF-endemic areas and eight BSF-nonendemic areas. In the 24 areas, ticks were sampled in plots of natural forests and plots with at least one of the three invasive plants. Both presence and density of A. sculptum were higher in human-modified landscapes, while the presence and density of A. dubitatum tended to be similar among human-modified landscapes and natural reserve areas. The two tick species were collected both in areas colonized by invasive plants (H. coronarium, M. maximus, and/or C. purpureus) and in areas of non-invaded vegetation. However, a higher density of A. dubitatum was observed in areas of H. coronarium and a lower density of A. sculptum in this type of vegetation. Within human-modified landscapes, there was a higher density of A. sculptum in BSF-endemic areas when compared to non-endemic areas, unlike A. dubitatum, which remained at an almost constant density and presence among BSF-endemic and non-endemic areas. Plant invasions may have some role in the ecology of capybara-associated ticks.</p>","PeriodicalId":12088,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and Applied Acarology","volume":"96 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12988901/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147456495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Snapback high resolution melting analysis for the rapid detection and differentiation of the L925 mutations associated with resistance to synthetic pyrethroids in Varroa destructor.","authors":"John F Mackay, Rebecca E Hewett, Noa T Smith, Tesuca A de Lautour, Tammy L Waters","doi":"10.1007/s10493-026-01121-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10493-026-01121-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The honey bee parasite Varroa destructor is the major cause of colony loss in many countries, including New Zealand. Reports of less successful treatment schedules with synthetic pyrethroids are raising concerns of treatment failure due to genetic resistance to the pyrethroids arising in the mites. Here we describe an inexpensive, single-tube, and rapid detection method to both detect and differentiate the three knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations that are the major cause of pyrethroid resistance in Varroa globally. This method - employing two unlabelled qPCR primers - avoids the expense of individual mutation-specific probes. Its lower cost and rapid implementation mean new mutation assays can be easily developed for Varroa and other treatment resistance analyses. The use of this test over the last eight years has not detected the presence of the L925 kdr mutations in Varroa assessed in New Zealand to date.</p>","PeriodicalId":12088,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and Applied Acarology","volume":"96 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147456539","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Records for ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) on free-ranging Coendou spinosus from State of São Paulo, Brazil.","authors":"Ticiana Zwarg, Marcelo Bahia Labruna, Mariana Morgado Hereny, Thaís Caroline Sanches, Mayra Hespanol Frediani, Vanessa Caldeira Olivares, Melissa Prosperi Prosperi, Felipe Almeida Lucato, Giovanna Silva Alves de Lima, Adriana Marques Joppert, Sergio Mello Novita Teixeira, Alex Junior Souza de Souza, Sandro Marques, Jean Carlos Ramos Silva, Barbara Antonieta Ribeiro Pilão, Erika Sayuri Kaihara, Lilian Rose Marques de Sá","doi":"10.1007/s10493-026-01122-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10493-026-01122-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ticks and tick-borne diseases have spread since the mid-twentieth century largely due to major anthropogenic changes impacting natural ecosystems. The Coendou spinosus is a medium sized rodent found in the southeast of Brazil. There is little information about the presence and richness of ticks on porcupines. The objective of this study was to identified ticks collected from C. spinosus received at a triage center of wildlife in the city of São Paulo, from 1996 to 2025 (almost 30 years). Ticks from a total of 100 free-ranging porcupines were collected. A total of 223 ticks in various life stages were analyzed. Fifty-eight larvae, 17 nymphs, and 148 adults were identified. Of these, 89 were males and 59 were females. Some animals presented mixed infestations, with more than one tick species. The most prevalent species was Amblyomma longirostre, with samples from 86 animals, followed by A. parkeri (18 animals), A. dubitatum (1 animal), A. ovale (1 animal), A. sculptum (1 animal), and Haemaphysalis juxtakochi (1 animal). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of Haemaphysalis juxtakochi parasitizing this porcupine species. Additionally, we highlight the observation of a male of A. longirostre attached to the porcupine's spine. Ticks are important vectors of several pathogens causing zoonotic diseases. This work contains information that can contribute to knowledge and conservation of porcupines, and to the development of environmental surveillance strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12088,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and Applied Acarology","volume":"96 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12987818/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147456529","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mating behavior and preliminary evidence of putative odor-mediated interactions in Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae).","authors":"Maria Isabel de Oliveira Lopes Gomes, Rhaisa Chaves Dos Santos, José Wagner da Silva Melo, Debora Barbosa de Lima","doi":"10.1007/s10493-026-01111-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10493-026-01111-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Odour and contact chemical traces play central roles in the sexual communication of mites, mediating partner encounter and recognition of the female reproductive status. We investigated the mating behavior of Raoiella indica Hirst and the role of female-associated chemical cues in male attraction. Behavioral observations were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, and three complementary bioassays were performed: (i) detailed recording of courtship and copulation sequences, (ii) two-choice tests to evaluate male preference for arenas associated with females at different reproductive stages, and (iii) assays testing male responses to substrate-borne traces left by females. Our objective was to describe the mating sequence of R. indica and assess how odor and contact traces contribute to male. Mating followed a stereotyped sequence composed of four stages. Males showed preference only for arenas associated with teleiochrysalis females, whereas no preference was observed for virgin or mated adult females. In contrast, males were attracted to traces left by virgin females but not to those left by recently mated females. These results indicate that male orientation in R. indica is mediated by stage-specific chemical cues and that contact traces provide reliable information about female reproductive status. Overall, our findings expand knowledge of chemical communication and mating strategies in R. indica, offering new insights into the behavioral ecology of tenuipalpid mites.</p>","PeriodicalId":12088,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and Applied Acarology","volume":"96 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12968121/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147376544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Towards an attract-and-kill strategy for sustainable tick control: combined effects of Metarhizium anisopliae and phytochemical attractants from Senna didymobotrya against Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus.","authors":"Diana Wairimu Kinyua, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Xavier Cheseto, Joel Ltilitan Bargul, Meshack Amos Obonyo, Daniel Masiga","doi":"10.1007/s10493-026-01116-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10493-026-01116-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Amblyomma variegatum and Rhipicephalus appendiculatus are ticks of veterinary and zoonotic importance in sub-Saharan Africa. Presently, their control mainly relies on synthetic acaricides, which are limited by resistance and environmental harm. Sustainable alternatives, such as combining tick attractants with entomopathogenic fungi in attract-and-kill strategies, are therefore needed. This study aimed to determine (i) the effect of attractants from Senna didymobotrya (methanol extract of S. didymobotrya flowers, squalene, linoleic acid, and squalene: linoleic acid (1:1) blend) on Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 7 germination and virulence; (ii) adhesion and horizontal transmission of ICIPE 7 among ticks; and (iii) tick behavioural responses to the most compatible attractant. Throughout the study, methanol extract and squalene maintained the highest overall mean germination (> 90%), while the blend and linoleic acid slightly reduced it (> 80%). The 10% squalene: linoleic acid (1: 1) blend formulated with ICIPE 7 was the most consistently effective treatment against both A. variegatum and R. appendiculatus. Both tick species retained more conidia at 0 h, but R. appendiculatus adhesion declined significantly over 72 h (p < 0.0001). Horizontal transmission of ICIPE 7 was confirmed, causing 100% mortality in A. variegatum recipients and lower mortality in R. appendiculatus recipients. Semi-field assays demonstrated that most ticks were attracted from 1 m, with dry ice, attraction-aggregation-attachment pheromone, and both undiluted and diluted (1 mg/mL) squalene: linoleic acid (1: 1) blends showing similar efficacy. These results support the potential use of M. anisopliae ICIPE 7 combined with squalene: linoleic acid blend in attract-and-kill devices for sustainable tick management.</p>","PeriodicalId":12088,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and Applied Acarology","volume":"96 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147369394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phylogenetic and haplotype network analysis of Ixodes crenulatus, Ixodes canisuga, Ixodes acuminatus and Ixodes redikorzevi (subgenus Pholeoixodes) from their geographical range, Europe and China.","authors":"Suwen Wang, Liang Feng, Zhixian Jiang, Sándor Hornok, Nannan Cui, Meihua Yang, Shiyi Wang, Yu Zhang, Ruiqi Song, Shengwei Hu, Yuanzhi Wang","doi":"10.1007/s10493-026-01115-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10493-026-01115-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ixodes crenulatus and Ixodes acuminatus (subgenus Pholeoixodes) have a broad Palearctic distribution, ranging from Europe to Asia (northern China). This research aimed to explore the phylogenetic relationships and haplotype diversity of these two tick species from Europe, and the Xingjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR, northwestern China). For this, part of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene was amplified, sequenced and compared involving ten specimens of I. crenulatus (n = 8) and I. acuminatus (n = 2) collected in XUAR, as well as sequences of Ixodes canisuga (n = 15), I. acuminatus (n = 13) and Ixodes redikorzevi (n = 6) from Europe retrieved from GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using MEGA 7.0 program. Haplotype analysis was performed with the DNAsp v5.10.1 program. I. crenulatus and I. canisuga ticks share a common ancestor with a genetic distance of ≤ 0.01. The I. crenulatus ticks from XUAR showing 99.5% sequence similarity with those from Russia. A total of 13 haplotypes and 2 groups of I. canisuga and I. crenulatus were identified, with a genetic diversity of 0.9474 (h) and a nucleotide diversity of 0.0067 (π). I. acuminatus and I. redikorzevi form sister clades with a genetic distance of ≤ 0.02. A total of 12 haplotypes and 5 groups of I. acuminatus and I. redikorzevi were found, exhibiting a genetic diversity of 0.9474 (h) and the nucleotide diversity was 0.0093 (π). I. crenulatus from Russia and XUAR can be grouped into a single clade. The I. acuminatus H-1 haplotype from XUAR was grouped with H-5 haplotype from Spain and H-7 haplotype from Malta according to GenBank data available.</p>","PeriodicalId":12088,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and Applied Acarology","volume":"96 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12963202/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147354378","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}