Haemaphysalis (Herpetobia) sulcata (Canestrini & Fanzago, 1878) (Acari: Ixodidae): Distribution, hosts and seasonal changes in Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Adult Haemaphysalis (Herpetobia) sulcata (Canestrini & Fanzago, 1878) parasitize goats and sheep at the Al-Sarawat Mountain range of western Saudi Arabia, where the immature stages infest agama lizards. The infestation of both goats and sheep by H. (H.) sulcata was seasonal and occurred only during the period from October through April, with a peak in December and January. The tick can complete one or, possibly two, intergrading generations per annum and its population seem to be affected by marked seasonal environmental changes. Haemaphysalis (H.) sulcata in the Al-Sarawat Mountain coexists with Hyalomma Arabica. Boophilus kohlsi and Rhipicephalus turanicus. Elsewhwere in the Kingdom, goats and sheep are parasitized chiefly by R. turanicaus. H. impelatum. H. anatolicum anatolicum and B. kohlsi.