Amblyomma tigrinum (Acari: Ixodidae) in relation to phytogeography of central-northern Argentina with notes on hosts and seasonal distribution

Abstract

The findings of Amblyomma tigrinum in continental Argentina north of 40 degrees S are presented according to phytogeographic domains (Andean-Patagonic, Amazonian and Chaco) and the seasonal distribution is depicted on a monthly basis. A total of 718 adult ticks and four nymphs were found. A. tigrinum ticks were present in all domains. Adult ticks were found all year round but they were more abundant during the summer. Most ticks were found on domestic dogs but the survey has a bias to domestic hosts. It is speculated that the cycle of immature is bound to shelters that mitigate extreme climatic conditions, thus explaining the finding of this tick species in contrasting ecological areas.