Amphibian-parasite
Guides
Amblyomma dissimile
Iguana Tick
Amblyomma dissimile is a hard tick (Ixodidae) with an exceptionally broad host range spanning amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds across the Neotropics. It is commonly known as the Iguana Tick due to frequent associations with iguanid lizards. The species exhibits a three-host life cycle and has been documented to reproduce parthenogenetically. Its distribution extends from the southern United States through Central America and South America to northern Argentina, with highest environmental suitability in the Amazon and Pantanal biomes.
Culex territans
Northern Frog-biting Mosquito
Culex territans, commonly known as the Northern Frog-biting Mosquito, is a mosquito species with a nearly exclusive feeding relationship with amphibians, particularly frogs. Adult females are strongly attracted to frog vocalizations and exhibit temporal and spatial synchrony with their amphibian hosts. The species is a confirmed vector for multiple amphibian pathogens, including Giant Anuran Trypanosomes, Hepatozoon species, and potentially Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Unlike many Culex species, it poses minimal direct threat to human health due to its host preferences, though it has been found infected with West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus.
Lucilia bufonivora
toadfly
Lucilia bufonivora, commonly known as the toadfly, is a blow fly whose larvae are obligate parasitoids of amphibians. Adults feed on pollen and nectar. The species was historically considered Palearctic but is now established in North America, where it causes myiasis in anurans. Larvae typically enter through the nostrils of toads, eventually consuming eyes, brain, and other tissues, leading to host death.