Ticks are blood feeders with an almost worldwide distribution. Most active stages require blood as a nutritive source and, in the case of adults, for sperm or egg production. Because of the mechanical processes and salivary secretions associated with blood feeding, the tick-host parasitic interaction is complex.

Further information

• Dryden M.W.: Tick biology and control: What practitioners need and know, in: New developments in ectoparasitic-related diseases, 2005, 18-21 (Download)