First report of Amblyomma helvolum (Acari: Ixodidae) from the Taiwan stink snake, Elaphe carinata (Reptilia: Colubridae), collected in southern Taiwan

Abstract

A Taiwan stink snake (Elaphe carinata) was captured in shrubbery at a fruit farm in southern Taiwan, and 3 female ticks (2 flat, one fully engorged) observed on this snake were collected and identified as Amblyomma helvolum, the first record of this host association in mainland Taiwan. The key morphological characters of female A. helvolum were photographed using a stereomicroscope. This first report of A. helvolum feeding on a reptilian host in Taiwan includes the first color illustrations of adult A. helvolum ever published. The increased international trade in wild reptiles may contribute to accidental transportation of ticks into Taiwan. The host range and vector capacity of A. helvolum for various tick-borne pathogens need to be further clarified.