The ecology of the African vectors of heartwater, with particular reference to Amblyomma hebraeum and Amblyomma variegatum

Abstract

The hosts, sites of attachment, life cycle, habitat requirements and seasonal abundance of Amblyomma astrion, Amblyomma cohaerens, Amblyomma gemma, Amblyomma hebraeum, Amblyomma lepidum, Amblyomma marmoreum, Amblyomma pomposum, Amblyomma sparsum, Amblyomma tholloni and Amblyomma variegatum, the 10 potential vectors of heartwater in Africa, are listed. Factors influencing the distribution and abundance of the ticks as well as interactions with other species and the role of predators and pathogens are discussed.