Argasid

Definition

A member of the family Argasidae, the soft ticks; distinguished from hard ticks (Ixodidae) by the absence of a hard scutum, a leathery, wrinkled integument, and mouthparts that are not visible from above. Argasids typically inhabit sheltered microhabitats such as animal burrows, caves, or nesting sites, and many species feed rapidly and repeatedly on hosts, with some capable of surviving years without feeding. The family contains approximately 220 species across several genera, including Argas, Ornithodoros, and Otobius.

Etymology

From Argasidae, the family name derived from the genus Argas.

Example

The spinose ear tick, Otobius megnini, is an argasid that infests the external ear canals of livestock and wildlife, remaining attached for days to weeks and causing otitis externa.

Synonyms

• soft tick

Related Terms

• Ixodid
• Ixodidae
• Tick
• Scutum
• Ornithodoros
• Argas
• Nidicolous

Usage Notes

Used both as a noun (an argasid) and adjective (argasid ticks). Contrast with ixodid (hard tick). The term specifically refers to the family Argasidae, not to be confused with the beetle genera Argasidus and Argasidius (Tenebrionidae). Argasids are often described as multi-host ticks with rapid feeding habits, though some species, like Otobius megnini, have prolonged attachment phases.