Contrasting detachment strategies in two congeneric ticks (Ixodidae) parasitizing the same songbird.

Abstract

In non-permanent parasites the separation from the host should take place in suitable habitats that allow the continuation of their life cycle. Furthermore, detachment strategies determine the parasites' dispersal capability, a characteristic on which epidemiological dynamics and the evolution of host specificity centre. In this study we experimentally investigate in the laboratory how 2 congeneric tick species, with contrasting habitat requirements, time detachment from one of their current songbird hosts (Parus major). Ixodes arboricola is a nidicolous tick, infesting bats and birds breeding or roosting in tree holes. Ixodes ricinus is a non-nidicolous generalist that parasitizes mammals, birds and even reptiles. We experimentally infested full-grown great tits, P. major, and found that I. arboricola detaches during the night, the moment when P. major sleeps in tree holes. In contrast, I. ricinus detaches during the day, the moment when birds are most active. In addition we found that all I. ricinus immatures left the birds within 5.5 days, while in I. arboricola the detachment time was long (up to 20 days) and highly variable. We discuss these findings with respect to their implications on the ticks' dispersal capability and host specificity.