Ecology of the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis (Say), in Nova Scotia

Abstract

The American dog tick has been extending its range in western Nova Scotia since about 1940. The presence of a number of suitable hosts, a temperate, moist climate, and logging operations producing an interspersion of choice vegetative conditions allow relatively high densities and a continuous spread. Seven small mammal species act as hosts. The most important hosts of immature stages are meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus), deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus), southern bog lemming (Synaptomys cooperi), and meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius). Important hosts for adult stages are porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum), raccoon (Procyon lotor), and black bear (Ursus americanus).