Parasitization of meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus (ORD), by American dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis (Say), and adult tick movement during high host density
The numbers of host-seeking adult American dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis (Say), in a sweet gum field in Maryland reflected changes in the population density of a host species, the meadow vole, Microtus pennsylvanicus (Ord), which within 1.5 yr fell from an estimated 157 to 8 voles on a 0.8 ha grid. During high vole density, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in tick burdens between sexes on an annual basis. Juvenile and subadult voles (< 33 g) harbored significantly fewer D. variabilis larvae and nymphs than did mature voles (> 33 g) on an annual basis. However, during periods of both peak host-seeking activity by D. variabilis larvae and nymphs and high host density nearly all the voles examined were infested. There was no evidence of a relationship between weight of adult voles and likelihood of parasitization by D. variabilis during months of moderate tick host-seeking activity. Of 163 adult D. variabilis recaptured ≥ one week after marking, 86 (52.7%) had moved > 3.8 m, 59 (36.2%) > 5.3 m.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1986 |
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Title | Parasitization of meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus (ORD), by American dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis (Say), and adult tick movement during high host density |
DOI | 10.18474/0749-8004-21.2.102 |
Authors | J. F. Carroll, J. D. Nichols |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Journal of Entomological Science |
Index ID | 5222157 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |