How many tick species exist in nature? - briefly
Approximately 900 tick species are recognized globally. They are classified into three families: Ixodidae (hard ticks), Argasidae (soft ticks), and Nuttalliellidae.
How many tick species exist in nature? - in detail
Approximately nine hundred tick species have been documented worldwide. The diversity is distributed among three recognized families.
- Ixodidae (hard ticks) – about eight hundred species, encompassing genera such as Ixodes, Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma and Dermacentor.
- Argasidae (soft ticks) – roughly two hundred species, including genera Argas, Ornithodoros and Carios.
- Nuttalliellidae – a single species, Nuttalliella namaqua, representing a distinct lineage.
Geographic distribution varies by family. Hard ticks dominate temperate and tropical regions, with Ixodes species prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere and Amblyomma species common in the tropics. Soft ticks are primarily associated with bird and mammal nests, often inhabiting arid environments. The solitary Nuttalliellidae species occurs in southern Africa.
Recent molecular analyses have revealed cryptic lineages, suggesting the actual count may exceed current estimates. DNA barcoding and genome sequencing continue to refine taxonomy, leading to the description of new species and the reclassification of existing ones. Consequently, the accepted figure of around nine hundred species reflects the latest comprehensive surveys, while ongoing research may adjust this number upward.