Zoological Survey of the Union of South Africa. Tick survey. Part VI. Distribution of the Ixodids : Ixodes pilosus and Ixodes rubicundus

Abstract

Ixodes pilosus: 1. The distribution of I. pilosus has been given in terms of political divisions, as well as in terms of vegetational coverage. 2. It appears to be associated with sour-veld; sour veld which, in its turn, is mainly associated with high rainfall in most instances. 3. From the data available it is difficult to establish which factors influence its activities or which factors exercise a limiting role to its distribution. It is liable to be present during most seasons in most areas. 4. The data available suggest that it can be controlled with the usual arsenical dips. Ixodes rubicundus: 1. The distribution of Ixodes rubicundus has been given in terms of political divisions, as well as in terms of vegetational coverage. 2. I. rubicundus is shown to be confined to the moister regions of the Karrooveld; regions which are more generally hilly or mountainous rather than fiat and open. 3. I. rubicundus is shown to be active in the early winter months of April and May; occasionally it is active until July. Its occurrence during summer months is very exceptional. 4. As it occurs in areas where dipping is not practised, it is impossible to conclude from the data presented in the survey, what effect dipping has on it. 5. I. rubicundus is the only tick incriminated thus far with tick paralysis in South Africa.