Current status of Amblyomma ovate (Acari: Ixodidae) in Panama

The genus Amblyomma is the most diverse and relevant among the Neotropical ticks. In Panama, this genus contains 19 species, including Amblyomma ovate. There is a lack of knowledge of the ecology of A. ovate in Panama, and thus the aim of this work is to report on its geographical distribution and its spectrum of vertebrate hosts. We reviewed data of ticks collected in different areas of Panama from 2007 to 2012 and found parasitism of A. ovate in 625 vertebrates, corresponding to 21 species (2 species of birds and 19 mammal species). A. ovate is present in different environments of Panama, from lowlands to places with 800 m altitude, including rural towns, disturbed forests, and wilderness areas. (C) 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.