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Species profile

Seabird tick

Ixodes uriae

A seabird-associated hard tick reported by UKHSA from colonies between Shetland and Cornwall. It principally parasitises seabirds and can also bite humans.

Historical scientific plate of Ixodes uriae showing dorsal, ventral and mouthpart views
Historical scientific plate, 1876

Image credit:Octavius Pickard-Cambridge; public domain Licence termsSource

Image gallery

Historical scientific plate of Ixodes uriae showing dorsal, ventral and mouthpart views
Historical scientific plate, 1876

Image credit:Octavius Pickard-Cambridge; public domain Licence termsSource

Quick facts

Family: Ixodidae. Genus: Ixodes. Tick type: hard tick.

Taxonomic authority: White, 1852.

Recorded life-cycle stages: egg, larva, nymph, adult.

Identification

Host and colony context are useful but are not sufficient for species confirmation; use an authoritative morphological key.

Host and colony context are useful but are not sufficient for species confirmation; use an authoritative morphological key.

Photographs alone cannot always confirm a tick species.

Distribution

UKHSA describes the species as ubiquitous from Shetland to Cornwall in suitable seabird colonies.

Presence, established populations, habitat suitability and disease risk are distinct evidence categories.

Countries and regions

  • United Kingdom — present

    Included in the UKHSA tick species profiles for the United Kingdom.

Medical and veterinary relevance

Human-biting evidence status: confirmed bites reported.

Veterinary relevance status: wildlife and conservation relevance.

Medical importance

confirmed_bites_reported

Veterinary importance

wildlife_and_conservation_relevance

Important identification and health information

Educational information and limitations

Photographs and visible features may be insufficient for definitive identification.

This educational information is not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical or veterinary advice.

This educational information does not replace examination or advice from a qualified veterinary professional.

Presence, established populations, habitat suitability and disease risk are distinct evidence categories.

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