Ixodoidea

Pronunciation: /ik-suh-DOY-dee-uh/

Category: Taxonomy

Singular: Ixodoid

Plural: Ixodoids

Definition

A superfamily of parasitic arachnids commonly known as ticks, which are external parasites that live by feeding on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians.

Etymology

From the Greek 'ixodes', meaning 'tick', and the suffix '-oidea', indicating a superfamily.

Example

The Ixodoidea superfamily includes both hard ticks (Ixodidae) and soft ticks (Argasidae).

Synonyms

Ticks

Related Terms

Ixodidae
Argasidae
Parasites
Arachnids

Usage Notes

Ixodoidea is critical in medical and veterinary entomology due to their role in transmitting a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.