First Molecular Evidence of <i>Ixodiphagus hookeri</i> (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in <i>Ixodes ricinus</i> and <i>Haemaphysalis concinna</i> (Acari: Ixodida) Ticks from Inland and Coastal Areas of the Balkan Peninsula
<i>Ixodiphagus hookeri</i> (Howard, 1907) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a hyperparasitic wasp that parasitizes hard ticks, has been documented in various parts of Europe; however, data on its presence in southeastern regions has been lacking. This study provides the first molecular evidence...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Pathogens |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/7/652 |
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| Summary: | <i>Ixodiphagus hookeri</i> (Howard, 1907) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a hyperparasitic wasp that parasitizes hard ticks, has been documented in various parts of Europe; however, data on its presence in southeastern regions has been lacking. This study provides the first molecular evidence of <i>I. hookeri</i> in ticks from the coastal areas of the Balkan Peninsula, specifically Croatia and Bulgaria. A total of 1043 questing ticks were collected between 2011 and 2013 across 15 locations. Molecular screening revealed <i>I. hookeri</i> DNA in <i>Ixodes ricinus</i> (Linnaeus, 1758) (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs from inland Croatia (overall prevalence: 18.72%) and in <i>Haemaphysalis concinna</i> (Koch, 1844) (Acari: Ixodidae) nymphs and larvae from coastal Bulgaria (prevalence: 17.2%). All <i>I. hookeri</i>-positive samples were co-infected with <i>Wolbachia</i> spp. (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae). This detection marks the southernmost record of <i>I. hookeri</i> in Central Europe, expanding its known range to the Balkan Peninsula and supporting its relevance as a potential natural enemy in integrated tick management strategies. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-0817 |