Where do forest ticks live? - briefly
Forest ticks occupy leaf litter, low vegetation, and the understory of wooded areas, favoring humid microhabitats. They are most abundant in temperate deciduous and mixed forests with dense ground cover.
Where do forest ticks live? - in detail
Forest ticks are most abundant in the lower strata of wooded ecosystems, where moisture and shade create suitable microclimates. They occupy leaf litter, decaying wood, and the undersides of low vegetation, remaining active when relative humidity exceeds 80 %. Temperature ranges of 10–25 °C support questing behavior, while extreme heat or dryness forces ticks to retreat into the soil or hidden crevices.
Typical microhabitats include:
- Thick layers of leaf litter that retain moisture and provide a stable temperature buffer.
- Moss‑covered logs and fallen branches, offering humid refuges and easy access to passing hosts.
- Undergrowth of shrubs and herbaceous plants, where ticks climb onto vegetation to intercept passing mammals and birds.
- Soil horizons up to 5 cm deep, especially in shaded, damp areas where ticks can rehydrate during periods of low ambient humidity.
Geographic distribution follows the presence of temperate and boreal forests, extending from low‑elevation mixed woodlands to higher‑altitude coniferous stands. Within these zones, tick density peaks in regions with:
- Consistently high ground‑level humidity.
- Dense canopy cover that limits solar radiation.
- Rich host populations, including deer, rodents, and ground‑dwelling birds.
Seasonal activity aligns with climatic conditions: spring and early summer see increased questing as temperatures rise, while autumn maintains activity until temperatures drop below the threshold for metabolic function. In winter, ticks enter a diapause state, remaining in leaf litter or soil until favorable conditions return.