Bionomics of Ixodes ( Ceratixodes ) uriae White, 1852 on auks (Alcidae) from Newfoundland

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Eveleigh, Eldon S., Threlfall, William
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1975
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Alca torda; Cepphus grylle; fratercula; Fratercula arctica; Newfoundland; Uria aalge; Uria lomvia; uria
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z75-010; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z75-010

Two hundred and fifty auks of five species (Alca torda, Uria aalge, Uria lomvia, Cepphus grylle, Fratercula arctica) were collected in Newfoundland in 1972 and 1973, and examined for Ixodes uriae. Ticks were recovered from all the bird species examined except C. grylle. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was found in the burden on adult auks with regard to sex and weight. The distribution of the tick stages on the hosts is presented: adult females prefer the neck, larvae prefer the body regions. The distribution of nymphs varied with the host species. The population structure of the tick on the hosts is recorded. Immature auks are rarely infested.