Argasid
Guides
Carios kelleyi
Carios kelleyi is a soft tick (family Argasidae) that parasitizes bats, primarily the big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus). First described in 1941, this species 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 hosts are removed. Recent studies have identified rickettsial agents in C. kelleyi, including Rickettsia lusitaniae (first U.S. detection), 'Candidatus Rickettsia andeanae', and a Rickettsia parkeri-like agent, raising public health concerns about its vector potential.
Ornithodoros turicata
relapsing fever tick
Ornithodoros turicata is a soft tick (family Argasidae) found in the midwestern and southwestern United States. It is the primary vector of Borrelia turicatae, the spirochete agent of tick-borne relapsing fever in humans. The tick has been documented feeding on at least 27 vertebrate host species across mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. It exhibits autogenous reproduction (egg production without a bloodmeal) and transovarial transmission of spirochetes, enabling pathogen maintenance across generations.
Otobius
spinose ear tick
Otobius is a genus of soft-bodied ticks in the family Argasidae. Adults possess a vestigial hypostome (feeding mouthpart) despite nymphs having a fully developed hypostome, and lack both eyes and a hood. The genus contains two species: O. lagophilus, associated with lagomorph hosts, and O. megnini, the spinose ear tick, which infests the ear canals of domestic and wild mammals. O. megnini is of veterinary significance due to its propensity to cause otitis, ear canal obstruction, and associated neurological symptoms in heavily infested hosts.