The hedgehog tick, Ixodes hexagonus (Leach, 1815) (Acari: Ixodidae); The natural history and ecology of a nest ectoparasite

Abstract

Little is known about the biology of the tick, Ixodes hexagonus Leach 1815 a nest ectoparasite of hedgehogs. This is surprising as it is frequently encountered on domestic pets and is a known vector of various tick borne pathogens. This review examines the biology, life-history and population dynamics of I. hexagonus. The ability of I. hexagonus to transmit pathogens between hedgehog hosts means it could play an important role in the persistence of tick borne diseases. The favoured hedgehog hosts of I. hexagonus are frequently found in suburban habitats, thus it may be important in the maintenance of disease cycles in such areas.