Neotropical hard ticks (Acari: Ixodida: Ixodidae): A critical analysis of their taxonomy, distribution, and host relationships

ALBERTO A. GUGLIELMONE, SANTIAGO NAVA, RICHARD ROBBINS

Springer

Año: 2021 p. 485

978-3-030-72352-1

The family Ixodidae, whose members are commonly known as hard ticks, currentlycomprises 137 Neotropical species, most of which are endemic to this region. Herewe examine each Neotropical ixodid, providing information on original descriptionsand redescriptions, geographic distribution, hosts, and human parasitism, discussedin both general and specific terms, together with a review of any related problems,such as tick invasiveness or the confusion that can arise when incorrect names areapplied to tick taxa. A critical analysis of the scientific literature indicates that thereis a pressing need to reevaluate the taxonomic status of several Neotropical tickspecies, research that in turn will impact our understanding of tick systematics,ecology, and evolution while also casting new light on the importance of thesearthropods as vectors of human and animal diseases. We believe that this synopsiswill be welcomed by biologists, veterinarians, public health professionals, or anyoneinterested in ticks as fascinating organisms in their own right, whether working in theNeotropics or elsewhere. The literature search for all tick species treated hereconcluded on October 31, 2020.