Biology and Ecology
ZHAO Shuang, HU Wen-hai, YAN Qing-li, YE Ting-ting, FU Yu-fei
Objective To review Hyalomma excavatum Koch, which was first captured from the Italian leather at Nansha port, Guangzhou, China, and to provide reference for inspection and quarantine work at the port. Methods The adults of H. excavatum were characterized based on specimens and the relevant literature on Ixodidae. Hyalomma excavatum was further compared with closely related species, H. anatolicum. Results Hyalomma excavatum was intercepted from imported Italian leather. This was the first time that H. excavatum had been discovered in foreign freighters. Hyalomma excavatum was morphologically characterized in this study. Comparison was made between H. excavatum and H. anatolicum in terms of taxonomy, biology, and importance in disease transmission. Conclusion There is a high risk that exotic ticks are imported from goods. More attention should be paid and strict quarantine supervision should be carried out.