Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Acari: Ixodidae) species complex: morphometric and ultrastructural analyses

摘要: Although some studies have already been performed on Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) populations, there is still much disarray around its taxonomic classification. sanguineus, which also known as “ (brown dog tick) a three-host tick that parasitizes many vertebrates, including occasional human hosts. It presents worldwide distribution and vector of zoonosis with acknowledged public health importance. In Western Europe, R. turanicus (Pomerantsev) share phenotypic features genetically closely related to sanguineus. Additionally, these species are sympatric, they can be easily misidentified. However, by means thorough morphological traits analysis, it possible distinguish both species, especially resorting scanning electron microscopy. This study was conducted using stereoscopic SEM analyses, associated morphometric in order help clarify the status this complex. For purpose, specimens resembling were collected from dogs Midwestern Iberian Peninsula. Identification based taxonomical key characteristics. The obtained results allowed authors agree great variability found within sanguineus-like populations. Nevertheless, identified morphologic reference specimens, presence Portugal suggested.