The U.S. National Tick Collection: A vital resource for systematics and human and animal welfare

Abstract

The U.S. National Tick Collection (USNTC) is unparalleled by other tick collections. It includes more than a million tick specimens in over 121,000 individual accessioned collections. Most of the world's approximately 850 described tick species and more than 300 types are included in the collection. These attributes dwarf other tick collections, and it is believed that the USNTC is larger than all other world tick collections combined. As a resource for identification purposes, systematics research, and the investigation of tickrelated problems of humans and animals, this tick collection is unrivaled and is a national treasure. If it were to be lost, it would be impossible to replace.