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On the Origin of Hard Ticks (Parasitiformes, Ixodidae)

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Abstract

Different hypotheses on the origin of hard ticks, vectors of numerous dangerous infectious diseases of humans and animals, are analyzed with involvement of literary and partly my own data. According to recent molecular-genetic and paleontological data, pro-ixodid ticks appeared not in the middle of the Mesozoic, as it was believed earlier, but most likely in the middle of the Devonian. Holothyrid mites (order Holothyrida Thon, 1905) is a sister group of mesostigmatic mites most closely related to Ixodidae.

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Funding

The work was performed within the frame of the state theme “Elaboration of the modern basis of taxonomy and phylogenetics of parasitic and bloodsucking arthropods” (reg. no. АААА-А19-119020790133-6).

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  1. Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199064, St. Petersburg, Russia

    S. A. Leonovich

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Statement on the welfare of animals. All the applicable international, national, and institutional guidelines for the care and use of animals were followed. All the procedures performed in studies involving animals were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institution or practice at which the studies were conducted.

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Leonovich, S.A. On the Origin of Hard Ticks (Parasitiformes, Ixodidae). Entmol. Rev. 103, 362–371 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0013873823030144

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