The ecology and behavior of the lone star tick (Acarina: Ixodidae). V. Abundance and seasonal distribution in different habitat types.

Abstract

The abundance and seasonal activity of lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum L.) were studied in different habitat types of a game refuge in Cherokee Co., Oklahoma during 1970 and 1971. Studies during 1970 were conducted in twenty-five 0.25-ha plots representing 16 habitat types; and 1971 studies were conducted in fifty-six 0.25-ha plots representing 17 habitat types. Drag-sweep samples were taken at biweekly intervals from early April to October 1970, and CO2-baited trap samples were taken at biweekly intervals from late March to early October 1971. Seasonal activity peaks of each stage of lone star ticks on CO2 traps and drag-sweep samples varied by as much as 2 months between the different habitats. The generalized adult activity peak occurred in late May and early June. Nymphs had 2 activity peaks in most habitats during 1971; one occurred during early June, and the 2nd occurred during August and September. Larval activity peaks occurred during July and early August in the meadow, prairie, glade, and opening-in-woods habitats, and during late August and early September in the wooded habitats, which included winged elm, persimmon, sassafras, American elm, hickory and black oak. High adult populations were found in winged elm, persimmon, sassafras, American elm, hickory, black oak, and southern red oak habitats. Low numbers of adults occurred in the hay meadow, native prairie, glades, maple, pine and white oak habitats. High nymphal populations were found in sassafras, winged elm, persimmon, opening-in-woods, hickory and American elm habitats. Low nymphal populations were found in glades, native prairies, hay meadows, pine and maple habitats. High larval populations occurred in the Johnsongrass, persimmon, sassafras, winged elm, opening-in-woods and post oak habitats. Low numbers were found in hay meadow, native prairie, maple, pine and white oak habitats.