What is a flower tick? - briefly
«flower tick» is a minute arachnid that feeds on pollen and nectar, typically found on blossoms. It belongs to the family Trombidiidae and poses no threat to humans.
What is a flower tick? - in detail
A flower tick is a small arachnid belonging to the family Ixodidae that commonly inhabits flowering plants. Adult females measure between 2 mm and 4 mm when unfed, expanding to over 10 mm after engorgement. Their dorsal surface displays a distinctive pattern of light and dark markings, often resembling the petals of the host flower, which provides camouflage against predators and aids in ambush hunting.
Key biological features include:
- Host preference – primarily nectar‑feeding insects such as bees and hoverflies, which inadvertently transport the tick while foraging.
- Feeding mechanism – a hypostome equipped with barbed teeth penetrates the host’s cuticle, allowing prolonged blood extraction lasting several days.
- Life cycle – egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages; each stage requires a blood meal before molting to the next.
- Reproductive capacity – a single engorged female can lay up to 2 000 eggs, deposited in protected microhabitats beneath flower heads or leaf litter.
Ecologically, flower ticks contribute to pathogen transmission among pollinator populations. Species such as Ixodes ricinus have been documented as vectors for bacteria of the genus Borrelia, which cause Lyme disease in mammals that later consume infected insects. Their presence can affect pollination efficiency by reducing the vitality of visiting insects.
Control measures focus on habitat management and chemical interventions:
- Habitat modification – removal of excessive ground cover and pruning of dense flowering shrubs to reduce humidity levels unfavorable for tick development.
- Acaricide application – targeted spraying of botanical oils (e.g., neem) during peak flowering periods minimizes non‑target impact while suppressing tick populations.
- Biological agents – introduction of entomopathogenic fungi such as Metarhizium anisopliae provides an environmentally sustainable reduction in tick density.
Monitoring protocols involve periodic sampling of flowers using fine‑mesh sweep nets, followed by microscopic identification of attached ticks. Data collection on infestation rates supports predictive modeling of disease risk in both agricultural and natural ecosystems.