Anomalous Phenology of Ixodes scapularis (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in Mississippi

ORCID

Goddard: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2617-7141; Robbins: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2443-5271

MSU Affiliation

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology and Plant Pathology

Creation Date

2026-09-30

Abstract

The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis Say, is one of the most important vectors of tick-borne disease agents in North America. Accordingly, it is crucial to know this species local composition, abundance, and seasonality (phenology) to help prevent tick-borne illnesses. The phenology of adult I. scapularis is reported in the scientific literature from October through May. Data from previous research in Mississippi have all supported this time frame for adult blacklegged tick activity. However, in this study, we report a collection of 13 I. scapularis from 9 widely separated areas in Mississippi during the summer and early fall of 2022 (June, July, and September). These findings are remarkable, even enigmatic, and should prompt further investigation.

Keywords

Ixodes scapularis, seasonal distribution, phenology, ecology, Mississippi, questing activity

Publication Date

7-1-2023

Publication Title

Journal of Medical Entomology

Publisher

Oxford University Press; Entomological Society of America

First Page

1124

Last Page

1125

Rights

© The Author(s) 2023

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Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjad081