| Hyalomma | |
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| Hyalomma marginatum specimen in alcohol | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subphylum: | Chelicerata |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Ixodida |
| Family: | Ixodidae |
| Subfamily: | Hyalomminae |
| Genus: | Hyalomma Koch, 1844 |
| Species | |
See text | |
Hyalomma is a genus of hard-bodiedticks common inAsia,Europe, andNorth Africa. They are also found inSouthern Africa. The name is derived fromGreek: Hyalos (ὕαλος) crystal, glass; and omma (oμμα) eye.
The genus is believed to have originated in Iran or Central Asia, and then spread further into Asia, including the Middle East, and to southern Europe and Africa.[1]
Hyalomma are larger in size and do not have protective shields (indistinct festoons), but have eyes and banded legs.Hyalomma species are difficult to identify due to their hybridization and genetic and morphological variations, caused by harsh environmental conditions and lack of food sources.Hyalomma species are the only ticks to live in such harsh desert conditions. With few hosts available, they are required to be active as soon as a potential host is sensed.
AdultHyalomma can bite humans and transmit serious pathogens. Immature (nymph)Hyalomma usually feed on birds, rodents, and hares and can be the cause of viral disease andrickettsias. Nymphs are often transmitted from one place to another by migrating birds. For example, a migrating bird carrying aHyalomma marginatum nymph can causeCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.[1]Hyalomma species can also transmitrickettsias likeSiberian tick typhus,Boutonneuse fever, andQ-fever.[1]
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