Brown dog tick

Definition

A cosmopolitan hard tick (family Ixodidae) that parasitizes dogs and occasionally other mammals, including humans. Distinguished by its reddish-brown, unornamented scutum, elongated body, and hexagonal basis capituli. Unusual among ixodids in completing its entire three-host lifecycle indoors, making it a significant pest of kennels and households in temperate and tropical regions. Adults measure 2.3–3.2 mm in length. Vectors of Ehrlichia canis, Babesia vogeli, and Hepatozoon canis, among other canine pathogens.

Etymology

From the English common name referring to its coloration and primary host association; scientific name Rhipicephalus sanguineus from Greek rhipis (fan) + kephalē (head), and Latin sanguineus (bloody, blood-red).

Example

Infestations in heated buildings can persist year-round, unlike most temperate tick species that require outdoor vegetation for molting and questing.

Synonyms

• kennel tick
• pantropical dog tick
• tropical brown dog tick

Related Terms

• Rhipicephalus
• Ixodidae
• three-host tick
• basis capituli
• Scutum
• Ehrlichia canis
• Babesia
• tick-borne disease
• domestic infestation

Usage Notes

The common name refers specifically to Rhipcepalus sanguineus sensu lato, a species complex with cryptic diversity; some populations may represent distinct species (e.g., R. linnaei, R. turanicus). Indoor-breeding populations are sometimes called "kennel ticks" or "house ticks" to emphasize their synanthropic habit. Not to be confused with the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) or Rocky Mountain wood tick (D. andersoni), which are larger, ornate, and primarily outdoor species.