Taxonomical studies of ticks infesting wild rodents from Asir province in Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Ticks infesting rodents in Asir Province, which is about 3000 me-ter above sea level, were surveyed in Wadi Dalaghan and Wadi Bin Hachbal.

They were examined from September to December 2006, where ten local life baited traps were distributed for 3 days each mo-nth.

The rodents were Acomys c.

dimitatus (20), Meriones rex (19) and one Gerbillus cheesmani.

Fifty three nymphs were dropped off from the rodents in the laboratory 3 to 12 days post-trapping.

Forty eight nymphs were reared to adults for identification and 5 ones died.

The reared ticks were Rhipicephalus turanicus and R.

sanguine us.

The me-dical and veterinary importance was discussed.