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.