Mollov I., D. Georgiev, O. Todorov (Eds.) Faunistic diversity of the city of Plovdiv (Bulgaria), Volume 1 – Invertebrates Bulletin of the Natural History Museum – Plovdiv Bull. Nat. Hist. Mus. Plovdiv, 2018, Supplement 1: 37-46 Species Composition, Distribution and Seasonal Dynamics of Ixodidae Ticks Invaded Pasture Animals in the Region of Plovdiv City Atanas Arnaudov1*, Dimo Arnaudov2 1 - University of Plovdiv „Paisii Hilendarski“, Faculty of Biology, Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 24 Tzar Assen Str., BG-4000 Plovdiv, BULGARIA 2 - Regional Research Veterinary Institute, BG-4006 Plovdiv, BULGARIA * Corresponding author:
[email protected] Abstract. Based on literary data and our own research, it was found out that there are 11 species of ixodid ticks that parasitise in pasture animals in the region of Plovdiv City. Their distribution, biological features and ecological and epidemiological significance are described in the current synopsis. Key words: biotopes, Ixodid ticks, Plovdiv Region, tick sampling. Introduction bixenic and trixenic) ticks consecutively parasitise Ixodid ticks are temporary obligate blood- on two or three different host species (VASILEV & sucking ectoparasites in vertebrates. Most of them VISHNYAKOV, 1977). parasitise on mammals, including on marsupials Ixodid ticks have great epidemiological and monotremes. Less frequently, the hosts could importance. They can transmit the causative be reptiles and birds, and there are few cases found agents of infectious or protozoal diseases on amphibians (Bufo marinus Gran.) and even on transovarially and through three-phase invertebrates - coleoptera (Platymeris horrida) and transmission, and also keep the pathogens molluscs (Limicolaria adansoni Pfr.) throughout their biological existence, which (POMERANTZEV, 1950). Ixodid ticks are makes them an important reservoir.