Carios kelleyi

Cooley & Kohls, 1941

Carios kelleyi is a ( Argasidae) that parasitizes bats, primarily the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). First described in 1941, this has been documented across much of North America and has been recorded in at least 29 of the 48 conterminous United States, plus Canada and Cuba. The species has gained attention due to its association with human dwellings when bats roost in attics and structures, and its potential to bite humans when primary bat are removed. Recent studies have identified rickettsial agents in C. kelleyi, including lusitaniae (first U.S. detection), 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae', and a Rickettsia parkeri-like agent, raising public health concerns about its potential.

Soft tick, carios kelleyi by wikipedia. Used under a Public domain license.

Soft tick, carios kelleyiCDC Detail by Soft_tick,_carios_kelleyi.jpg:US governement / American CDC

derivative work: F. Lamiot (talk). Used under a Public domain license.

Carios kelleyi bat by CDC/ William L. Nicholson, Ph.D. No 5399. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Carios kelleyi: //ˈkɛəri.oʊs ˈkɛli.aɪ//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Carios kelleyi is a () distinguished from hard ticks (ixodids) by the lack of a and the presence of a leathery, wrinkled . Within Argasidae, it can be identified to by larval and characteristics as described by Cooley and Kohls (1941). Larvae collected from big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in New Jersey were identified using standard taxonomic keys for argasid ticks.

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Habitat

Bat roosts, including natural caves, tree hollows, and human-made structures such as residential attics, barns, and buildings where bats establish colonies. Documented infesting private residences with histories of bat occupancy.

Distribution

Widely distributed across North America. Recorded in at least 29 of 48 conterminous U.S. states including California, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, and Texas. Also documented in Saskatchewan, Canada; Montana, USA; Cuba; and Rica.

Diet

Blood-feeding on mammalian , primarily bats.

Host Associations

Eptesicus fuscus - primary big brown bat; documented in New Jersey, Saskatchewan, and Montana
various bat species - previously known include multiple bat

Behavior

feeding on roosting bats. Nymphs and have been collected from the same bat roost, suggesting established can persist in suitable . When bats are removed from human dwellings, ticks may search for alternative blood sources including humans.

Ecological Role

of bats with potential role as for rickettsial agents. The detection of lusitaniae, 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae', and a Rickettsia parkeri-like agent suggests possible involvement in peridomestic Rickettsia transmission cycles, though vector competence has not been confirmed.

Human Relevance

Public health concern due to potential to bite humans when bat are excluded from dwellings. Documented in human housing in Kansas and New Jersey. Associated with rickettsial agents including lusitaniae (first U.S. record in this ), raising concerns about possible transmission. The ' association with bats that regularly roost in human-made structures underscores the need for awareness during bat exclusion and pest management activities.

Similar Taxa

other Carios speciescongeneric soft ticks that also parasitize bats; require morphological examination for differentiation
Ornithodoros speciesother argasid ticks with similar soft-bodied appearance; distinguished by specific morphological features and associations