Ixodes kingi

Bishopp, 1911

Rotund Tick

Ixodes kingi is a hard in the Ixodidae, commonly known as the Rotund Tick. It is a three- tick found in prairie and grassland of western North America, where it parasitizes ground-dwelling mammals including prairie dogs, pocket gophers, and ground squirrels. The species exhibits notable size variation between east and west of the Rocky Mountains, with larger specimens found in Alberta and smaller specimens in British Columbia. It is an of wildlife but has been documented on domestic animals and humans.

The life history and bionomics of some North American ticks (1912) (14584873738) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ixodes kingi: //ɪkˈsoʊdiːz ˈkɪndʒiː//

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Identification

Ixodes kingi can be distinguished from similar Ixodes by its rotund body shape and association with prairie-dwelling . show significant size variation: large specimens occur east of the Rocky Mountains (Alberta, Saskatchewan), while small specimens occur west of the Rockies (British Columbia). Specimens of intermediate size are found scattered throughout the range. The species may be confused with Ixodes sculptus, which shares similar prairie and hosts; accurate identification requires examination of morphological characters such as capitulum and features.

Images

Habitat

Prairie and grassland , particularly areas with prairie dog towns and ground squirrel colonies. Found in open landscapes with sufficient vegetation for questing . Associated with the between grassland and shrubland where small mammal are abundant.

Distribution

Western North America. Documented in Canada from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia; in the United States from Colorado and areas east of the Rocky Mountains and Wasatch Range. GBIF records indicate presence in the United States and Mexico. The two main groups are separated by the Rocky Mountains and Wasatch Range.

Seasonality

Nymphs show peak seasonal activity in June and July. and larvae are active in spring and early summer, with some autumn activity reported. All active stages (larvae, nymphs, adults) can overwinter.

Diet

Obligate blood-feeding . Feeds on mammalian throughout all life stages.

Host Associations

Cynomys spp. - primary prairie dogs; most frequently recorded for nymphs in Colorado study
Spermophilus richardsonii - Richardson's ground squirrel; common for large specimens in Alberta
Geomys bursarius - pocket gopher; common for small specimens in British Columbia
Peromyscus maniculatus - deer mouse
Sylvilagus spp. - cottontail rabbits
Canis familiaris - incidental domestic dog
Homo sapiens - incidental humans
Bos taurus - incidental cattle

Life Cycle

Three- : larvae, nymphs, and each feed on separate hosts. After hatching, six-legged larvae seek a host, feed, then to eight-legged nymphs. Nymphs feed, drop off, and molt to adults. Adults feed, mate on the host (inferred from typical Ixodes ), then females drop to the ground to oviposit thousands of in soil. In cooler climates, the may take 2-3 years to complete. occurs in all active stages.

Behavior

Exhibits questing : climbs vegetation and extends forelegs to encounter passing . Shows host specificity primarily for ground-dwelling rodents, particularly prairie dogs and ground squirrels. Demonstrates seasonal activity patterns with distinct spring and early summer peaks. Opportunistically feeds on domestic animals and humans when available.

Ecological Role

of small mammals in prairie . Potential for transmission between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. are linked to abundance, particularly prairie dog and ground squirrel colonies.

Human Relevance

Documented to bite humans, though less frequently than some other Ixodes . Can infest domestic animals including dogs and cattle. Removal within 24 hours of attachment is recommended to reduce transmission risk. Proper removal requires grasping with fine forceps close to the skin and pulling steadily; petroleum jelly or heat methods are not recommended.

Similar Taxa

Ixodes sculptusShares prairie and similar associations including prairie dogs and ground squirrels; requires morphological examination to distinguish
Ixodes scapularisBoth are Ixodes with three- , but I. scapularis is found in eastern deciduous forests and is the primary of , whereas I. kingi occupies western prairie and has different host associations

More Details

Population divergence

Studies have identified two distinct size separated by the Rocky Mountains and Wasatch Range. Large specimens dominate in Alberta and areas east of the Rockies, while small specimens occur in British Columbia and areas west of the mountains. Laboratory crosses between populations produce viable F2 larvae, suggesting the is in a state of evolutionary divergence rather than representing separate species.

Nymphal ecology

In Colorado prairie landscapes, nymphs have been collected from 12 across 7 mammal , demonstrating broader host range than previously recognized, though prairie dogs remain the most frequently utilized hosts.