2010 Student Research Conference:
23rd Annual Student Research Conference

Seasonal Patterns in Abundance for the Three Life Stages of the American Dog Tick (Dermacenter variabilis) and the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
Austin B. Rupp* and Enato Esangbedo
Dr. Stephanie Fore, Faculty Mentor

Seasonal patterns of abundance of the ticks Dermacenter variabilis and Amblyomma americanum are not fully understood, and are likely impacted by a number of interplaying factors. Our objective was to examine patterns of abundance in the different life stages of these ticks within and among years. Ticks were collected at two sites every other week from February to December in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Average number of ticks collected in each life stage at each sampling date were plotted to examine patterns over time. Preliminary analysis of the 2007 data suggests that there are seasonal differences in abundance among life stages and between species. Nymphs and adults of D. variabilis were most abundant between April and May, while larvae were most abundant between October and November. Nymphs and adults of A. americanum were most abundant between May and June, while larvae were most abundant between July and Septebmer.

Keywords: Ticks, Vector Ecology

Topic(s):Biology

Presentation Type: Oral Paper

Session: 8-3
Location: MG 2001
Time: 8:30

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