Species profileAmericas

What is Amblyomma maculatum?

Amblyomma maculatum is the Gulf Coast tick, an ornate hard tick associated with grassland habitats in the Americas and a vector of Rickettsia parkeri in the United States.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Everyone

Short answer

Amblyomma maculatum is the Gulf Coast tick, an ornate hard tick associated with grassland habitats in the Americas and a vector of Rickettsia parkeri in the United States.

At a glance

Its recognised US range has expanded inland and northward, so current records should replace assumptions based on its common name.

Key takeaways

• It is not restricted to the Gulf Coast.

• Adults favour larger mammals.

• Ornate ticks need structural confirmation.

A changing distribution

Established populations now occur far beyond the historical coastal range. Migratory grassland birds can transport immature ticks to suitable new areas.