The Amblyomma (Acari: Ixodida: Ixodidae) of Mexico: identification keys, distribution and hosts

Abstract

Taxonomic keys, distributional data and hosts are provided for the 26 Amblyomma species known from Mexico. Members of this genus have been collected in 30 of Mexico’s 32 states and are associated with 43 nominal vertebrate taxa, of which 40 have been identified to species and four (Python sp., Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Tamandua tetradactyla, Tupinambis teguixin) are non-native. Mammals are the principal class of vertebrates parasitized by Mexican Amblyomma species, followed by reptiles, birds and amphibians. Our knowledge of Mexican Amblyomma is still far from complete because many potential hosts have not yet been examined and vast areas of the country remain unexplored.