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Glite Dictionary
Argas

Argas

9.9
A type of tick with a soft body that lives on birds and mammals and feeds on their blood
  • noun
  • /ˈɑrɡəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Argas
  • The Argas tick is known for feeding on the blood of birds and mammals during the night.
  • Argas vespertilionis
  • Argas ticks

Examples

  • Argas vespertilionis, an argasid tick associated with bats and bat habitats in Europe, Africa, and Asia, has been reported to bite humans; however, studies investigating the presence of vector-borne pathogens in these ticks are lacking.

    Academic text (2012)

  • Argas vespertilionis (also known as Carios vespertilionis) ticks parasitize several bat species around the world, except in the Americas (2, 3).

    Academic text (2012)

  • Scientists discovered a new species within the Argas genus that is specifically adapted to live in caves.

  • In regions where Argas ticks thrive, they often pose a threat to both wildlife and domestic animals.

Surface Forms

Argas singular
Argas plural

Etymology

Argas probably comes from an old Greek word argos, meaning 'idle' or 'slow'. This is a handy image: these soft-bodied ticks move slowly and hide in nests or on animals, so the name fits this group of parasites.