A systematic study of the Australian species of the genus Haemaphysalis Koch (Acarina: Ixodidae)

Abstract

A systematic study has been made of the species of Haemaphysalis occurring in Australia. Six species were recognized in the material examined, namely H. humerosa, H. ratti, H. bremneri, H. lagostrophi, H. bispinosa, and H. bancrofti. Two of these, H. lagostrophi and H. bremneri, are new species, and H. ratti is recorded from Australia for the first time. H. novaeguineae recorded by Nuttall and Warburton (1915) from Queensland and the Northern Territory was not seen. A detailed description with appropriate figures is given for the known stages in the life cycle of each species, together with data on host range and geographical distribution. Keys are presented for the males, females, and nymphs and a classified host list has been included.