20 American Midland Naturalist Monograph No. 1 



In the West Indies the species has been found at Trinidad and at Antigua. 



Vigueras (1934) stated that Argas persicus has been known in Cuba for 

 many years, and listed the following localities: Provinces of Havana, Matan- 

 zas and Santa Clara. 



Koch's type of A. miniatus came from Demerara, British Guiana. 



HOSTS 



Argas persicus is preeminently a fowl tick. It attacks practically all species 

 of domestic fowls, but the chicken appears to be the preferred host. It has 

 been found in limited numbers on a wide variety of wild brids including quail, 

 wild doves, wild turkeys, vultures, golden-crowned sparrow (Z.onotricbia 

 coronata), and Inyo screech owl (Otus asio inyoensis) . It is said to attack 

 man commonly in Persia, producing serious symptoms. Hoffman (1930) 

 stated that in Mexico it attacks man only exceptionally, with more or less dis- 

 agreeable local effects, and as a rule only in houses where it cannot reach its 

 natural hosts. 



Economic losses occasioned by this tick are considerable. Fowls are weak- 

 ened through loss of blood and annoyance and when attacked by large 

 numbers the effects are sufficient to result in death. 



Fig. 5. Distribution of Argas persicus in the United States and Canada. Adapted 

 from Bishopp (1927), with additions. 



