Pigeon Tick

Argas reflexus

Appearance

•   Soft tick approximately 4mm long.
•   The mouthparts are ventrally located and are covered by the front margin of the body so they are not visible from above.
•   Bodies lack a scutum (a hard thickened plate) and the skin appears wrinkled and leather-like.

Lifecycle

•  The females feed at intervals, increasing their body weight by up to three times, then laying globular, dark brown shiny eggs in batches of 20 - 50.
•  The larvae feed on the hosts for six to eleven days although the nymphs and adults only feed for up to 12 hours.
•   Pigeons are the principle host but other bird species may also be fed upon.Humans may also be bitten.

Habits

•  The ticks feed at night and hide by day.
•  The are commonly found in attics and rooms adjacent to areas where pigeons roost.
•  Heavy infestations of these ticks can cause the death of the host pigeon.