ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TORTOISE TICK AMBLYOMMA-MARMOREUM (ACARI, IXODIDAE) ON A REPTILE-BREEDING FACILITY IN FLORIDA

The tortoise tick Amblyomma marmoreum Koch was found to be established on a reptile facility in central Florida. Over a 5-mo period, 443 tic ks were collected from tortoises, dogs, and vegetation. Collections fr om hosts were primarily from 3 species of exotic tortoises, including leopard tortoises, Aldabra tortoises, and yellow-footed tortoises. The total numbers of ticks present, the presence of all life stages, and the slow development of this species indicate that this is not a recen t infestation. The source of the infestation is unknown because no tor toises were imported or moved onto this premise within the previous ye ar. The propensity of this tick to feed on mammals and reptiles as imm atures, its status as an experimental heartwater vector, and potential for further accidental introductions to the United States elicit conc ern toward the more widespread establishment of this species.