Vertebrate Host Relationships and Distribution of Ixodid Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) in Connecticut, USA

Abstract

Fifteen tick species of Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Ixodes and Rhipicephalus were identified from 8917 specimens collected in Connecticut. Vertebrate host records and seasonal geographical distributions are given for each species. A. americanum, D. variabilis, I. cookei, I. dammini and R. sanguineus were removed from man. A. maculatum, D. albipictus, D. variabilis, I. cookei, I. dammini and R. sanguineus were recorded from domestic mammals. D. variabilis occurs throughout Connecticut and is the most frequently encountered tick on humans and dogs. I. dammini, also common on man and dogs, is restricted to southeastern Connecticut. Field studies suggest that some D. variabilis and I. dammini may have 2-year life cycles.