D3011: A checklist and taxonomic key of the ticks (Acari: Ixodidae and Argasidae) of Illinois

Ticks are a group of terrestrial ectoparasites which are distributed around the world, feed on a variety of hosts, and are most well-known for their ability to transmit pathogens of medical and veterinary concern. Over the last few decades, the Midwest – where several tick species are invading - has become a hotspot for tick-borne disease risk in the United States. Yet, checklists and ecological reviews of species present in the Midwest are lacking, as are corresponding identification resources such as taxonomic keys and molecular identification protocols. To gain a better understanding of the diversity and natural history of ticks in the Midwest, a checklist of the ticks (Ixodidae and Argasidae) of Illinois was developed. Information on historical and modern tick collections in Illinois was gathered from natural history collections, scientific literature, and contemporary surveillance efforts to construct a checklist of species present in Illinois, their distributions, and their host associations. This comprehensive checklist of species includes those established in Illinois, along with those reported on native hosts, migratory birds, and exotic hosts or imports. Thus, we provide an overview of not only the tick species that are native to Illinois, but also those that are frequently introduced and could potentially become established in the Midwest. This research will also result in easy-to-use identification resources, including a comprehensive taxonomic key and molecular identification resources, for fellow scientists and public health professionals.