Seasonal occurrence of ixodid ticks on the vegetation in the northern part of Okinawajima Island, Japan

A study on Amami-Oshima Island, Tokunoshima Island, the northern part of Okinawa Island, and Iriomote Island revealed distinct seasonal patterns in the occurrence of ixodid ticks. Researchers collected 3,326 ticks over a year-long period (June 2017 to June 2018) using flagging on vegetation, identifying five species: Amblyomma geoemydae, Amblyomma testudinarium, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Haemaphysalis formosensis, and Haemaphysalis flava. The predominant species exhibited unique seasonal distributions—A. geoemydae was absent in January and February, while A. testudinarium was present nearly year-round with a dominance of nymphs. H. hystricis larvae were collected throughout the year, but adults and nymphs only appeared from January to August. This research highlights the seasonal dynamics of tick populations, which could inform disease surveillance strategies in these regions.

Azama, Y., Fukuchi, Y., Kuba, Y., & Kyan, H. (2021). Seasonal occurrence of ixodid ticks on the vegetation in the northern part of Okinawajima Island, Japan. Medical Entomology and Zoology, 72(1), 27–30. https://doi.org/10.7601/mez.72.27