Hyalomma is a genus of hard-bodied ticks common in Asia, Europe, and North Africa. They are also found in Southern Africa. The name is derived from Greek: Hyalos (ὕαλος) crystal, glass; and omma (oμμα) eye. The genus is believed to have originated in Iran or Central Asia, and then spread further into Asia, including the Middle East, and to southern Europe and Africa.
Description
Hyalomma are large ticks, with a dark scutum, distinct festoons and eyes. The genus is sometimes referred to as 'bont-legged ticks' due to the presence of light-colored bands on the legs; not to be confused with Amblyomma, which are called 'bont ticks'. Hyalomma species are often difficult to identify due to their hybridization and genetic and morphological variations, caused by harsh environmental conditions and lack of food sources. With few hosts available, they are required to be active as soon as a potential host is sensed.
Parasitism
Adult Hyalomma can bite humans and transmit serious pathogens. Immature (nymph) Hyalomma usually feed on birds, rodents, and hares and can be the cause of viral disease and rickettsioses. Nymphs are often transmitted from one place to another by migrating birds. For example, a migrating bird carrying a Hyalomma marginatum nymph can cause Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Hyalomma species can also transmit rickettsias like Siberian tick typhus, Boutonneuse fever, and Q-fever.
↑H. albiparmatum is poorly differentiated from H. nitidum and H. truncatum, and may be a synonym of the latter.
↑Often regarded as a subspecies of H. anatolicum. Currently considered distinct as per Guglielmone et al. (2020)
↑See Apanaskevich & Horak (2009), citing previous studies where specimens determined as Hyalomma erythraeum Tonelli-Rondelli, 1932 then later considered misidentified, contra Hyalomma impeltatum Schulze & Schlottke, 1930.
References
123Roberts, Larry S.; Janovy, John (2009). "Chapter 41: Parasitic Arachnids: Subclass Acari, Ticks and Mites". Gerald D. Schmidt & Larry S. Roberts' Foundations of Parasitology (8ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. p.645. ISBN978-0-07-302827-9.
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