Argas spp.

Argas spp.
Class	Archnida
Order	Parasitiformes
Family	Argasidae

Argas species are soft ticks.

Argas persicus

Also known as: Fowl tick — Chicken tick — Adobe tick — Blue tick

Hosts

Chicken, turkeys and wild birds.

Identification

A. persicus is a dark red tick, turning blue when fully fed. The female is larger than the male at around 8mm in length. The outer surface of the tick is irregular and creased appearance.

Life Cycle

A. persicus breeds in cracks in poultry sheds. It is active at night, feeding on the stock. The female is capable of producing large numbers of eggs. These eggs quickly hatch and the larvae attach to a host, where they feed. They draw several large blood meals, and then leave the host, returning to cracks in the poultry sheds.

The larvae then undergo three further transformations through the nymphal stages, before becoming an adult.

The complete life cycle should be done in around a month. However, under sub-optimal conditions it may be longer.

Argas reflexus

Also known as: Pigeon tick

Hosts

Pigeon

Identification

They are around 9mm in length and reddish brown in colour. They also have distinct irregular grooves along the lateral edges.

Life Cycle

Similar to that of A. persicus. The number of nymphal stages vary from 2-4, and their complete life cycle may take up to 11 years.

Argas walkerae

Also known as: Chicken tick

Hosts

Chicken

Life Cycle

Similar to A. persicus with three nymphal stages.

Argas spp. Learning Resources
Vetstream To reach the Vetstream content, please select	Canis, Felis, Lapis or Equis
Literature Search Search for recent publications via CAB Abstract (CABI log in required)	Argas spp. publications since 2000 Argas persicus publications Argas reflexus publications Argas walkerae publications

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