What do ticks feed on in the forest? - briefly
Ticks in forest ecosystems obtain blood meals mainly from small mammals such as rodents, as well as from birds and occasionally reptiles. Larvae typically feed on birds, nymphs on mammals, and adults on larger mammals.
What do ticks feed on in the forest? - in detail
Ticks are obligate hematophages; each developmental stage requires a single blood meal to advance to the next stage.
In forest ecosystems, the primary sources of blood are vertebrate mammals. Typical hosts include:
- Small rodents such as mice and voles, which provide the first meal for larvae.
- Medium‑sized ungulates, notably deer, which serve as hosts for nymphs and adults.
- Larger mammals, including bears and wild boar, which can support adult females during egg‑laying periods.
Birds constitute a secondary host group. Ground‑dwelling species—pheasants, thrushes, and other passerines—are frequently parasitized, especially by nymphs seeking hosts near the leaf litter.
Reptiles and amphibians, though less common, are occasionally utilized. Forest-dwelling lizards and salamanders can supply blood meals for immature ticks when mammalian hosts are scarce.
Feeding behavior varies with season. Early spring sees heightened activity of larvae on rodents, while midsummer peaks nymphal feeding on birds and small mammals. Late summer and autumn bring adult ticks onto larger mammals, aligning with mating and oviposition cycles.
Occasional opportunistic feeding occurs on incidental hosts that brush against vegetation, such as hedgehogs or stray domestic animals entering the forest margin.
Overall, the trophic link between ticks and a diverse assemblage of forest vertebrates sustains their life cycle and influences pathogen transmission dynamics within the habitat.