Redescription of the numbat tick Ixodes (Sternalixodes) myrmecobii Roberts, 1962 (Acari: Ixodidae) with descriptions of the male and nymph, and new host records

摘要

Limited knowledge regarding the biology and identification of the Australian tick Ixodes myrmecobii exists with only the female described to date. Here we provide a description of the male and nymph as well as a redescription of the female. All described stages are molecularly characterised using the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) loci. An updated list of hosts is presented including the first records from humans, cattle and several native species. Information on the distribution and conservation status of this species is also included.