Species profileAsia and introduced regions

What is Haemaphysalis longicornis?

Haemaphysalis longicornis is the Asian longhorned tick, native to eastern Asia and introduced to countries including Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Livestock keepers and professionals

Short answer

Haemaphysalis longicornis is the Asian longhorned tick, native to eastern Asia and introduced to countries including Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

At a glance

Parthenogenetic populations can reproduce without males and produce heavy livestock infestations.

Key takeaways

• It is an invasive tick in several regions.

• US populations reproduce parthenogenetically.

• Large infestations can cause blood loss and production impacts.

A successful invader

Unfed stages are small and generally reddish-brown without conspicuous markings. One parthenogenetic female can begin a population where climate and hosts are suitable.

Disease claims must be regional

Pathogen associations reported overseas do not automatically describe transmission in an introduced population. USDA identifies Theileria orientalis Ikeda as a major US livestock concern.