How long do ticks live? A survey of lifespan, life cycle and longevity in Ixodida (Acari: Parasitiformes)

Ticks are hematophagous parasites transmitting pathogens to animals and humans. This review summarizes the current understanding of their lifespan, life cycles and longevity, which is essential for preventing and controlling tick-borne diseases. As of October 2022, the lifespan, longevity, and life cycle of 117 tick species (approximately 12.2% of the world's total) from 10 genera have been recorded. Most of this data is collected in laboratory conditions, with only a few investigated in the field studies. The life cycles of 110 tick species are summarized in 150 publications, while the adult longevity of 62 species is reported in 65 publications. Data on tick lifespan is limited to 26 species documented in 18 publications. It should be noted that the lifespan of most argasid ticks is much longer (ranging from 114–861 days to 10585 days) compared to ixodid ticks (ranging from 55–114 days to 252ؘ–387 days). Also, environmental and climate changes can affect ticks' distribution and activity globally. Therefore, monitoring the lifespan, life cycles, and longevity of ticks in the field is particularly important for predicting the spread of ticks.