Pigeon Tick
Argas reflexus
Appearance
- Soft tick approximately 4mm long.
- The mouthparts are ventrally located and are covered by the front margin of the body so they are not visible from above.
- Bodies lack a scutum (a hard thickened plate) and the skin appears wrinkled and leather–like.
Lifecycle
- The females feed at intervals, increasing their body weight by up to three times, then laying globular, dark brown shiny eggs in batches of 20 – 50.
- The larvae feed on the hosts for six to eleven days although the nymphs and adults only feed for up to 12 hours.
- Pigeons are the principal host but other bird species may also be fed upon. Humans may also be bitten.
Habits
- The ticks feed at night and hide by day.
- They are commonly found in attics and rooms adjacent to areas where pigeons roost.
- Heavy infestations of these ticks can cause the death of the host pigeon.