Paralysis ticks (Ixodes holocyclus) are a species of ticks found in Australia. Understanding their life cycle is crucial in managing their impact on human and animal health. The life cycle of paralysis ticks consists of four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult.

Egg Stage:

The life cycle begins when a female paralysis tick lays eggs. A single female can lay thousands of eggs at a time, usually in a sheltered location such as leaf litter or under bark. The eggs are small, oval-shaped, and translucent, making them difficult to spot with the naked eye.

Larva Stage:

After about two to three weeks, the eggs hatch into larvae. These tiny, six-legged ticks are commonly known as seed ticks. They are about 1-2 mm in size and are often found in grassy areas or low vegetation. Larvae actively seek out a host to feed on, typically small mammals or reptiles. Once they find a suitable host, they attach themselves and begin feeding.

Nymph Stage:

After feeding for several days, the larvae drop off their host and molt into the nymph stage. Nymphs have eight legs and are slightly larger than larvae, measuring around 2-3 mm. They actively search for a new host, which is usually a larger mammal like dogs, cats, or even humans. Nymphs are responsible for the majority of tick bites on humans.

Adult Stage:

Once the nymph has fed for several days, it drops off the host and molts into an adult tick. Adult paralysis ticks are larger, measuring around 4-5 mm in size. Females require a blood meal to produce eggs, while males can mate multiple times without feeding. Adult ticks are most commonly found in bushy areas, waiting for a suitable host to pass by.

The entire life cycle of paralysis ticks typically takes around 2-3 months to complete, but it can vary depending on environmental conditions and availability of hosts.

Understanding the behavior and habits of paralysis ticks is essential for effective tick control and prevention. Regularly checking yourself, your pets, and your surroundings for ticks, especially during the warmer months when they are most active, can help reduce the risk of tick bites.

References:

• New South Wales Government - Tick Life Cycle
• Journal of Medical Entomology - The Life Cycle of Ixodes holocyclus Neumann