Relapsing Fever Tick Ornithodoros turicata Dugès, 1876 (Acari: Ixodida: Argasidae)

Ornithodoros turicata (Dugès, 1876), commonly referred to as the relapsing fever tick, is a soft tick species belonging to the family Argasidae. It is a key vector of Borrelia turicatae, a spirochete bacterium responsible for causing tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF). Known for its elusive behavior, O. turicata feeds rapidly and inhabits concealed environments such as caves, animal burrows, and cabins. These behaviors, combined with its role in transmitting relapsing fever, pose significant challenges for public health management and disease prevention efforts. While O. turicata is more commonly associated with the southwestern United States, it has been reported in parts of Florida, expanding its recognized range and relevance. This tick’s ability to survive for long periods without feeding and its ability to rapidly transmit pathogens during its short bloodmeals makes it an important vector for zoonotic diseases.