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Synopsis of the hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of Romania with update on host associations and geographical distribution

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Abstract

The current paper is a synoptic review of the distribution and host associations of the 25 species of hard tick fauna (family Ixodidae) in Romania. In addition to a full literature survey, original data is presented, based on eight years of occasional or targeted sample collection. The literature data on geographical distribution was transposed digitally to the decimal degree coordinate system. For each species, an updated distribution map is given together with all historical data and new host associations. Overall, our paper records 58 new tick-host associations for Romania: 20 for Ixodes ricinus, 1 for I. apronophorus, 6 for I. arboricola, 2 for I. hexagonus, 9 for I. redikorzevi, 1 for I. trianguliceps, 2 for I. vespertilionis, 2 for Haemaphysalis punctata, 1 for H. sulcata, 2 for H. concinna, 1 for D. marginatus, 4 for Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato, 1 for R. bursa and 6 for Hyalomma marginatum.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported from grant CNCSIS IDEI PCCE 7/2010, POSDRU/88/1.5/S/60185 (to SDA) and POSDRU/89/1.5/S/49944/2010 (to PV). The authors are grateful to all students who voluntarily participated in the tremendous field work and host examinations.

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Correspondence to V. Cozma.

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Mihalca, A.D., Dumitrache, M.O., Magdaş, C. et al. Synopsis of the hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of Romania with update on host associations and geographical distribution. Exp Appl Acarol 58, 183–206 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10493-012-9566-5

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