Spatial distribution and seasonality of ticks (Acarina: Ixodidae) in a protected area in the northern Apennines.

Infestation of small rodents by ixodid ticks and frequency of host-seeking ticks collected by dragging were studied at Orecchiella Natural Park (Northern Apennines) in 1994 and 1995. Levels of infestation of Apodemus spp. by immature Dermacentor marginatus were higher in beech wood (5.1 larvae and 1.3 nymphs per mouse) than in oak-chestnut wood and in coniferous wood. Larval D. marginatus peaked in mid summer, whereas nymphs peaked in late summer. Host-seeking Haemaphysalis punctata were mostly found on south-facing limestone rocks with scarce vegetation (7.8 larvae/km dragging). Conversely, D. marginatus larvae were most frequent in wooded areas (3.2 larvae/km dragging). Ixodes ricinus was rare in the Park, and Borrelia burgdorferi was not isolated from ear punches collected from 122 small rodents.