Parasite-host relationships of the ixodid tick Ixodes Ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Hyrcanian meadow lizard Darevskia practicola hyrcanica (Tuniyev, Doronin, Kidov et Tuniyev, 2011) in Talysh Mountains (Southeastern Azerbaijan)

The purpose of the research: to identify features of the parasite-host relations of the European common tick, Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Hyrcanian meadow lizard, Darevskia praticola hyrcanica (Tuniyev, Doronin, Kidov, et Tuniyev), 2011 in spring period. Materials and methods. The study was carried out in May 2016 in the Gadazyghahi natural boundaries in Astara region of Azerbaijan. The animals were caught on the routes, divided into three mature groups (adult females, males and juvenile lizards) and examined for the presence of ticks. Frequency of occurrence, abundance and location of parasites were determined according to standard methods. Localization of parasites on lizards’ body was defined by the standard scheme. Results and discussion. Only larvae and nymphs of the I. ricinus were found on the lizards. Ticks were found only on 32 lizards of 123 examined. The distribution of ticks in year-old lizards was 10,8%, adult females 28,6%, and adult males 35,3%. The distribution of feeding ticks is aggregated: 26 % of examined lizards were feeders for 100% of ticks. Higher abundance of parasites per one animal was observed in males (on average 3,1±0,78 ticks on one male and 1,6±0,36 on one female). The lowest value of parasite abundance was defined on one-year-old animals (no more than one tick per lizard). The ticks were attached on the forelegs, neck and sides of lizards. 89% of ticks were located under the forelegs. Domestic animals are the main feeders of imago I. ricinus, and the lizards provide feeding for larvae and nymphs.