Phenology of ixodid ticks of the genus Dermacentor in the Central Ciscaucasia

Abstract

In Stavropol Territory, ixodid ticks of the genus Dermacentor are represented by three species: D. marginatus, D. reticulatus, and D. niveus. D. marginatus is the most widespread species, constituting 14.8% of all the ticks in the region; D. reticulatus and D. niveus are found less frequently, constituting 2.8% and 0.01%, respectively. D. marginatus and D. reticulatus are spread mostly in the forest-steppe and steppe zones of Stavropol Territory. D. niveus is represented by solitary specimens in arid and semidesert zones. The main hosts of adult D. marginatus in Stavropol Territory are cattle (88.4%) and sheep and goats (5.3%). The hosts of D. reticulatus are also cattle (72.3%) and sheep and goats (4%). D. marginatus activates at an average monthly temperature of +2.07°C and average monthly rainfall of 47.2 mm. The peak of parasitizing on hosts was observed at an average monthly temperature of +7.8°C and average monthly rainfall of 56.2 mm. The autumnal activation was recorded at an average monthly temperature of +15.3°C and average monthly rainfall of 58.2 mm.