Regional tick guide

Ticks in Europe

Explore reviewed tick occurrence records for Europe, with links to identification profiles, evidence and practical guidance.

Also known as: European region, Scandinavia, Northern Europe

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Reviewed sources

Explore Europe

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5

linked tick species

Region

geographic level

EUROPE

location code

5 reviewed species records are currently linked to Europe.

Introduced, occasional and other records

Macro photograph of an adult male Dermacentor reticulatus ornate cow tick

Ornate cow tick

Dermacentor reticulatus

Present Europe

ECDC publishes confirmed European distribution data for this species.

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An ornate hard tick established in restricted parts of the UK and widely distributed in western Europe. It has major veterinary relevance because it can transmit Babesia canis to dogs.

Identification:

Ornamented scutum or conscutum.

Eyes and festoons present.

Coxa I has large paired spurs.

Adult males have enlarged coxa IV.

The ornate pattern is helpful but does not replace examination of diagnostic characters.

Photographs and visible features may be insufficient for definitive identification.

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Preserved adult Hyalomma marginatum specimen photographed through a dissecting microscope

Hyalomma marginatum

Present Europe

ECDC publishes confirmed European distribution data for this species.

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A large, active host-seeking hard tick established in warmer parts of southern Europe, northern Africa and parts of Asia. It is regularly introduced into the UK on migratory birds, but UKHSA reports no evidence of an established UK population.

Identification:

Adults have conspicuously banded legs and long legs adapted for active host seeking.

Hyalomma marginatum belongs to a difficult species complex. Immature Hyalomma should not be assigned to species from photographs alone.

Photographs and visible features may be insufficient for definitive identification.

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Adult Ixodes persulcatus taiga tick

Taiga tick

Ixodes persulcatus

Present Ixodes hard_tick Europe

ECDC publishes confirmed European distribution data for this species.

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A Palearctic Ixodes species commonly called the taiga tick. Country-level occurrence must distinguish established presence from isolated reports.

Identification:

A hard tick in the genus Ixodes. Species confirmation requires examination of diagnostic morphology; photographs, host and location alone may be insufficient.

Hosts: Humans

Habitats: Woodland edges and trails

Photographs and visible features may be insufficient for definitive identification.

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Engorged adult female Ixodes ricinus castor bean tick after a blood meal

Castor bean tick

Also known as: Sheep tick, Deer tick

Ixodes ricinus

Present Ixodes hard_tick Europe

ECDC publishes confirmed European distribution data for this species.

Quick view

Ixodes ricinus is a widespread European hard tick that feeds on many mammals, birds and reptiles, including humans. It is the tick species of greatest concern for human health in the United Kingdom and the principal UK vector of Lyme borreliosis.

Also known as: Sheep tick, Deer tick

Identification:

Larvae have six legs; nymphs and adults have eight. Adult females have a dorsal scutum covering only the anterior body, while the adult male scutum covers almost the entire dorsal surface. Microscopic characters may be required.

Hosts: Humans, Deer, Cattle, Small mammals, Birds

Habitats: Woodland, Grassland and rough pasture, Parks and wildlife-accessible gardens

Photographs and visible features may be insufficient for definitive identification.

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Adult female and male Rhipicephalus sanguineus brown dog ticks in dorsal view

Brown dog tick

Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Present Europe

ECDC publishes confirmed European distribution data for the Rhipicephalus sanguineus group.

Quick view

A globally distributed, dog-associated hard tick able to complete its life cycle in buildings and kennels. UK records are linked to importation; UKHSA reports no current evidence of establishment outdoors or as a resident UK population.

Identification:

Laterally produced angular basis capituli.

Eyes and festoons present.

Scutum lacks ornamentation.

Mouthparts relatively short compared with the basis capituli.

Coxa I has large paired internal and external spurs.

Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a species complex in some literature; expert morphological and sometimes molecular review may be necessary.

Photographs and visible features may be insufficient for definitive identification.

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Practical tick guidance

Related guidance

Use these VuxLore® resources alongside the location records and species profiles above.

Identify ticksSpecies, life stages and identification guidance Prevent and checkReduce exposure and perform thorough tick checks Remove ticksRemoval methods, tools and common problems Bites, symptoms and healthSourced guidance about bites, symptoms and disease

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