Otobius spp.

Otobius spp

Scientific Classification

Class	Arachnida
Order	Parasitiformes
Family	Argasidae

Otobius megnini

Also known as:

Spinose ear tick

Hosts

Sheep, dogs, horses, cattle, and occasionally humans.

Identification

The females are between 5-8mm in length, and the males are slightly smaller. They have a granular integument, and a light blue body with light yellow legs.

Life Cycle

The larval and nymphal stages are parasitic, but the adults are not. Eggs are laid and occupy cracks in the shelters etc. where the hosts live. The larvae may survive without food for a long period of time.

The larvae moult in ears and may remain there for several months. After this they drop of the host. The adults do no feed, and are capable of living in the cracks for long periods of time.

Otobius lagophilus

Also known as:

Rabbit ear tick

Hosts

Rabbits.

Life Cycle

This is a one-host tick, and only the larvae and nymphs are parasitic.