How long can ticks survive without food? - briefly
Ticks can endure several months without a blood meal, with survival time varying by species and developmental stage; adult specimens may persist up to a year, while larvae and nymphs typically survive from a few weeks to a few months.
How long can ticks survive without food? - in detail
Ticks can endure prolonged periods without a blood meal, but the length of survival varies markedly among species, developmental stages, and environmental conditions.
Adult hard ticks (Ixodidae) typically survive 6–12 months without feeding. Some species, such as Ixodes scapularis, may persist for up to 18 months under cool, humid conditions. Soft ticks (Argasidae) exhibit greater resilience; Argas persicus adults have been recorded living for more than two years without host contact.
Larval and nymphal stages possess shorter fasting capacities. Larvae generally survive 2–4 months, while nymphs may endure 4–8 months. Exceptions occur when larvae hatch in temperate zones and enter diapause, extending survival to nearly a year.
Key factors influencing fasting duration include:
- Temperature: Lower temperatures reduce metabolic rate, prolonging survival. At 10 °C, many hard ticks double their fasting period compared to 25 °C.
- Humidity: Relative humidity above 80 % prevents desiccation, essential for long‑term endurance. Dry environments can curtail survival by 30–50 %.
- Species‑specific physiology: Certain ticks possess enhanced water‑conservation mechanisms and lipid reserves, enabling extended fasting.
When deprived of a host, ticks rely on stored lipids and glycogen. Energy expenditure drops sharply during questing or sheltering, allowing them to conserve reserves until a suitable blood source becomes available.
In summary, adult hard ticks survive roughly half a year to a year without feeding, soft ticks may exceed two years, and immature stages persist for several months, with temperature, humidity, and species traits dictating precise limits.