Focus Stacking Images of Morphological Character States for Differentiating the Adults of Ixodes affinis and Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae) in Areas of Sympatry

Adult females and males of Ixodes affinis and Ixodes scapularis are illustrated by focus stacking image photography, and morphological character states are described that reliably differentiate the two species. In conjunction with other environmental cues, such as the questing phenology of adults, these characteristics will enable the rapid identification of adults of either sex along the southern Coastal Plain of the United States, where these species are sympatric.

Automated summary

This study illustrates adult females and males of Ixodes affinis and Ixodes scapularis through focus stacking image photography and describes morphological character states that reliably differentiate the two species. These characteristics, along with other environmental cues, allow for rapid identification of adults of either sex in the southern Coastal Plain of the United States where these species coexist.