The Asian turtle tick Amblyomma geoemydae Cantor, 1847 (Acari: Ixodidae) in the Philippines: first confirmed local host and locality with a complete host index

Abstract

Amblyomma geoemydae is an oriental tick species primarily associated with turtles and tortoises but also sometimes reported from other vertebrates, including humans. Although A. geoemydae was first reported from the Philippines more than 70 years ago, it has not been reported since, and no local distributional or host data have been published. Herein, we present the first definitive locality report and host record for A. geoemydae in the Philippines. A complete checklist of the known host species from which A. geoemydae has been collected is also presented.

Keywords: Amblyomma geoemydae; Distribution; Host-parasite list; Philippines.