Observations on Ticks (Ixodoidea)of Libya1

Abstract

Details are provided concerning 14 species of ticks of which the authors have seen Libyan material. Insufficient search for ticks in this area probably is responsible for lack of records of about a dozen other species, which are discussed here. The status of five others, reported from Libya in the literature, is considered uncertain, published records for three additional species appear to be incorrect, and another one involves a nomen nudum. The importance of certain small wild animals as hosts of Hyalomma spp. in immature stages is noted. Hyalomma marginatum turanicum and H. m. rufipes probably were introduced into Libya by southward and northward migrating birds, respectively. Most tick species recorded from Libya are of obvious economic importance, yet little is known about their biology, range, incidence, or relation to disease in this area.