Species profileEurope

What is Ixodes ricinus?

Ixodes ricinus is the castor bean tick or sheep tick, a widespread European hard tick that feeds on many hosts and can transmit several pathogens.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Everyone

Short answer

Ixodes ricinus is the castor bean tick or sheep tick, a widespread European hard tick that feeds on many hosts and can transmit several pathogens.

At a glance

Its distribution extends across much of Europe into neighbouring regions, but local abundance and pathogen prevalence vary greatly.

Key takeaways

• It is a three-host hard tick.

• Nymphs commonly bite people.

• Identification and risk require regional evidence.

A widespread European vector

Ixodes ricinus uses small mammals, birds, reptiles and larger mammals across its life stages. It favours habitats that provide suitable humidity and host contact.

Not every specimen carries disease

The species can transmit agents of Lyme borreliosis, tick-borne encephalitis and other infections, but infection rates differ by pathogen, site and season.