Abstract
Collections of Amblyomma argentinae Neumann, 1904 [= Amblyomma testudinis (Conil, 1877)] in Argentina are discussed in the context of phytogeographic domains (Andean Patagonic, Amazonian and Chaco) and hosts. The seasonal distribution of adult ticks is depicted on a monthly basis. Two major Argentinean tick collections house a total of 448 A. argentinae (147 females, 281 males, 10 nymphs and 10 larvae). Most ticks were collected in relatively dry areas of the Chaco domain. The great majority of A. argentinae were removed from Chelonoidis chilensis (Gray, 1870), although some specimens were from other Reptilia: Boa constrictor occidentalis Philippi, 1873, Eunectes notaeus Cope, 1862, Crotalus terrificus (Laurenti, 1768), Bothrops Wagler in Spix, 1824 spp., and Phrynops Wagler, 1830 spp. (2 females). Additionally, 2 females and 4 males were from Bufo Laurenti, 1768 spp. Collection data revealed that adults of A. argentinae are present in low numbers during winter months, when their principal hosts are largely inactive. No clear preference for any other season was observed. The geographical distribution of A. argentinae matches that of its chief host, C. chilensis. This host is increasingly at risk of extinction in its southern (Argentinean) range, which may also endanger A.argentinae in this region.
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