SEASONAL AND LONG-TERM VARIATIONS IN ABUNDANCE OF ADULT IXODES-SCAPULARIS (ACARI, IXODIDAE) IN DIFFERENT COASTAL-PLAIN HABITATS OF NEW-JERSEY

Fifteen sites in 4 different vegetation types in a Lyme disease endemi c area were surveyed during times of peak tick activity in fall of 198 2, 1984, and 1992, and subsequent spring activity periods to determine seasonal and year-to-year differences in habitat use by the blacklegg ed tick, Ixodes scapularis Say. Populations of I. scapularis adults va ried significantly among the 3 yr surveyed, although this variability tended to be more pronounced in fall. I. scapularis adults were consis tently more abundant in the fall than spring. Significant seasonal and year-to-year differences in adult populations were observed between a nd within vegetation types. However, the variability in habitat use wa s generally lower in spring compared with fall. In most of the surveys , the 5 sites yielding the greatest number of adults were represented by 3 or 4 of the vegetation types. Explanations for this variability a nd implications for tick surveillance and reducing risk of Lyme diseas e transmission are discussed.