Hyalomma


Hyalomma is a genus of hard-bodied ticks common in Asia, Europe, and North Africa. They are also found in Southern Africa. The name is derived from Greek: Hyalos crystal, glass; and omma eye. The genus is believed to have originated in Iran or Central Asia, and then spread further into Asia, including the Middle East, and to southern Europe and Africa.

Description

Hyalomma are large ticks, with a dark scutum, distinct festoons and eyes. The genus is sometimes referred to as 'bont-legged ticks' due to the presence of light-colored bands on the legs; not to be confused with Amblyomma, which are called 'bont ticks'. Hyalomma species are often difficult to identify due to their hybridization and genetic and morphological variations, caused by harsh environmental conditions and lack of food sources. With few hosts available, they are required to be active as soon as a potential host is sensed.

Parasitism

Adult Hyalomma can bite humans and transmit serious pathogens. Immature Hyalomma usually feed on birds, rodents, and hares and can be the cause of viral disease and rickettsias. Nymphs are often transmitted from one place to another by migrating birds. For example, a migrating bird carrying a Hyalomma marginatum nymph can cause Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Hyalomma species can also transmit rickettsias like Siberian tick typhus, Boutonneuse fever, and Q-fever.

Taxonomy

Hyalomma form part of the Rhipicephalinae subfamily, in the broader Amblyocephalus clade of the Ixodidae.

Species

As of 2025, there are 28 species described as Hyalomma:Hyalomma aegyptium Linnaeus, 1758Hyalomma albiparmatum Schulze, 1919 Hyalomma anatolicum Koch, 1844Hyalomma arabica Pegram, Hoogstraal & Wassef, 1982