Rhipicephalus spp.
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Rhipicephalus spp. can be identified by;
- Wide palps
- Hexagonal base of capitulum
- Eyes present on idiosoma
- Not ornate
- Festoons on posterior margin
- Posterior anal groove
There are 2 Rhipicephalus species found in Europe; R.sanguineus,the brown dog tick is found in houses and kennels in the UK as outdoor conditions are not suitable. It is a three host tick and can complete its life cycle in 4 - 5 months, though this may take longer in colder conditions. This tick transmits Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), Babesia canis, B.gibson, Ehrlichia canis, E.vogeli, Salmonella enteritidis, Hepatozoon canis, Rickettsia conorii, Q fever, Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky mountain spotted fever) to dogs. R.bursa, which infects horses is found in southern Europe.