Tick species (Ixodida) identified in Iceland

Eight species of ticks of the family Ixodidae have been identified in Iceland; Ixodes uriae, I. caledonicus, I. ricinus, I. hexagonus, I. cf scapularis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Dermacentor variabilis and Hyalomma aegyptium. Ticks of the family Argasidae have not been found. I. uriae is indigenous and common in seabird colonies in Iceland. I. caledonicus has been found on stationary birds and therefore also considered to be indigenous. I. ricinus has been found all over the country on humans, other mammals and birds and is carried by migratory birds to the country in the spring but it is uncertain if it is indigenous. I. hexagonus has been reported once. The remaining four species were all found under circumstances that suggest incidental findings.