FAUNA-ECOLOGICAL FEATURES OF COLD-RESISTANT SPECIES OF IXODIC TICKS ON THE EXAMPLE OF IXODES RICINUS AND DERMACENTOR RETICULATUS

The article discusses in detail the features of the fauna and ecology of Ixodic ticks, often found in the central part of the East European Plain, the northern regions of the Russian Federation, using the two most common species Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus in the Kaluga Region as an example. The regularities of the peaks of parasitization (spring, autumn) in comparison for the two studied species of ixodic ticks, the extremely critical low temperature and humidity indicators for the development of preimaginal phases (eggs, larvae, nymphs) and imago are revealed. A detailed analysis of the biotopic confinement of ixodic ticks on the territory of the Kaluga Region was carried out. The species Ixodes ricinus is confined to forest biotopes, Dermacentor reticulatus to meadow ones, which confirms compliance with their name. The main hosts of ixodic ticks on the territory of the Kaluga region are identified. The data obtained indicate the adaptability of Ixodic ticks to low climatic conditions and the possibility of further expanding the boundaries of their habitats.Ixodid ticks are found in all climatic zones, except Antarctica. They are parasitic bloodsuckers, reservoirs and carriers of many anthropozoonosis diseases. Maintain consistency of natural foci of vector-borne diseases. The species composition of ixodid ticks is very diverse. It is known that these parasites have learned to adapt to environmental changes. Temperature and humidity are of paramount importance to them. It is the exogenous factors that determine the number of hosts, the temporal limits of bloodsucking and diapause. The ticks of the genera Dermacentor and Ixodes belong to the northern latitudes, more often the species Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus.It is known that the species living in the northern regions are characterized by long intervals between the blood sucking. Northern ticks are distinguished by relative longevity, their life cycle can reach several years.