Argasidae
Guides
Argas
Bat-ticks
Argas is a genus of soft ticks in the family Argasidae, containing 44 species across two subgenera: Argas and Persicargas. These ticks lack the hard dorsal shield characteristic of hard ticks (Ixodidae) and exhibit distinctive feeding behaviors, taking multiple short blood meals rather than prolonged single feedings. The genus includes species with exceptional longevity—Argas brumpti individuals have survived 27 years in laboratory conditions and endured eight years without feeding. Argas species serve as vectors for tick-borne pathogens including those causing tick-borne relapsing fever.
Carios
Carios is a genus of soft ticks in the family Argasidae, comprising eight recognized species. Members of this genus are ectoparasites primarily associated with bats, with a cosmopolitan distribution spanning the Palearctic, Nearctic, and other regions. The genus is distinguished by morphological and ecological adaptations for life in bat roosts. Several species have documented medical significance due to aggressive biting behavior and potential pathogen transmission.
Otobius megnini
spinose ear tick
Otobius megnini, commonly known as the spinose ear tick, is a soft-bodied tick in the family Argasidae. Only the larval and nymphal stages are parasitic, residing deep within the external ear canals of mammals. Adults are non-feeding and free-living. The species has a worldwide distribution and is a significant veterinary pest of horses, cattle, sheep, goats, and dogs, causing otitis, irritation, and occasionally secondary complications such as muscle spasms or colic in horses.