Ixodid Ticks (Parasitiformes, Ixodidae) of the Northern Red-Backed Vole (Myodes rutilus Pallas, 1779) in the West Siberian Plain

The complex of ixodid ticks infesting the northern red-backed vole Myodes rutilus Pallas, 1779 in the West Siberian Plain was studied. Seven species were distinguished as parasites of this rodent: Ixodes persulcatus, I. apronophorus, I. trianguliceps, I. pavlovskyi, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, and D. silvarum. The quantitative parameters of the tick populations were studied from the herb-bunchgrass steppe to the northern taiga subzones. Ixodes persulcatus and I. apronophorus were widespread over the entire territory studied. The distribution optima of ixodid ticks associated with the northern red-backed vole lie in the subtaiga, where their high diversity and abundance were recorded. The lowest quantitative parameters of the ticks were characteristic of the northern taiga subzone. The northern and southern boundaries of the taiga tick range in the West Siberian Plain were clarified.