First Record of Ixodes ricinus (Acari; Ixodidae) in European Glass Lizard (Pseudopus apodus; Anguidae) and a Review of Ectoparasite Studies in Reptiles in Turkey

Abstract

Three adult European glass lizards (Pseudopus apodus Klembara) were caught in the garden of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University (Samsun, Turkey) and were observed to have a tick infestation. During macroscopic examination, tick samples were collected from the lateral groove on both sides of the lizard by using blunt-tip tweezers. All the samples were examined under the microscope and belonged to Ixodes ricinus (Linnaeus) larvae and nymphs. This is the first report of a tick species or infestation in European glass lizard. In addition, we provide a detailed review of all studies conducted to date on reptile ectoparasites in Turkey. © 2023 Croatian Veterinary Institute. All rights reserved.