Ixodes scapularis

Reeves, Will K., Durden, Lance A., Ritzi, Christopher M., Beckham, Katy R., Super, Paul E & Oconnor, Barry M., 2007, Ectoparasites and other ectosymbiotic arthropods of vertebrates in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA, Zootaxa 1392, pp. 31-68 : 51

Ixodes scapularis Say—blacklegged tick

Ex Terrapene carolina (eastern box turtle): 1N, NC, Swain Co., 20 Mile Creek Ranger Stn., 15 Aug. 2002, W. K. Reeves, L­2942.

The blacklegged tick is widespread in eastern North America (Strickland et al. 1976, Dennis et al. 1998). It is not common at high elevations which might explain the apparent rarity in the Park. Immature stages of this tick typically feed on reptiles (mainly lizards), birds, and small mammals, whereas adults feed on larger mammals such as white­tailed deer, raccoons, humans, and feral hogs (Durden & Oliver 1999, Durden et al. 2002). All stages can also feed on humans and this tick is the principal vector of Borrelia burgdorferi the agent of Lyme disease, Anaplasma phagocytophilum an agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and Babesia spp. in many parts of eastern North America (Durden & Keirans 1996). The collection of a nymph from a box turtle represents the first record of I. scapularis from this host. This tick has not been reported from white­tailed deer in the Park but adults should be present in the cooler months.