Ecological Studies of Adult Ixodes scapularis in Central Mississippi: Questing Activity in Relation to Time of Year, Vegetation Type, and Meteorologic Conditions

Abstract

Adult Ixodes scapularis Say were collected weekly during two fall-winterspring-seasons from 1989 to 1991 to assess their temporal and spatial distribution as well as the effects of several meteorologic parameters on questing activity. Collections were made in three 0.4-ha sites in central Mississippi by flagging vegetation with a white flannel cloth. Adult I. scapularis were collected from 25 October through 11 April during the 1989–1990 season and 24 October-1 April in the 1990–1991 season. Peak I. scapularis questing activity occurred on 5 February and 4 February during the two seasons, respectively. Ticks were collected most often at ≍20°C but seven were collected on a day when the temperature was 6.9°C. Ticks were clustered within the study sites and not evenly distributed. Most I. scapularis were collected from Ligustrum sinense and Chasmanthium sessiliflorum at a height of 31–40 cm. Statistical analyses of the meteorologic factors that affect questing activity are presented and discussed.