First record of Haemaphysalis concinna (Acari: Ixodidae) in Lithuania

Abstract

The relict tick Haemaphysalis concinna Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) has high medical and veterinary importance as it is known as a vector or a carrier of various pathogens causing human and animal diseases. Haemaphysalis concinna is a widely distributed species in forests of temperate Eurasia. In Europe, it is found mainly in deciduous or mixed forests near shores of lakes or rivers. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about current dis-tribution, relative density, and other ecological parameters of H. concinna. On June 30th, 2019, one specimen of H. concinna was found on the fur of a hunted roe deer in Lithuania. This is the first record of H. concinna in Lithuania and, to the best of our knowledge, it represents the northernmost distribution point of H. concinna in Europe (22 degrees 55'26.5 '' E/ 55 degrees 27'50.7 '' N).