Teratological Nymphal Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) From Wisconsin

J Med Entomol. 2016 Mar;53(2):477-9. doi: 10.1093/jme/tjv198.

Abstract

Abnormalities of physiological development (teratological forms) in ticks are rare. The occurrence of gigantism, dwarfism, gynandromorphs, missing legs, extra legs, and asymmetries is most often reported from lab-reared specimens, but has been observed in field-collected specimens. All morphologically anomalous ticks (besides gynandromorphy) described to date are from species other than Ixodes scapularis Say (Acari: Ixodidae). Here we describe four teratological I. scapularis nymphs collected while dragging vegetation in Wisconsin in 2015, including two asymmetrical ticks, one with a missing leg, and one with an extra leg.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Congenital Abnormalities*
  • Ixodes / anatomy & histology*
  • Nymph / anatomy & histology
  • Wisconsin