Softbacked ticks refer to a group of parasitic arachnids belonging to the family Argasidae, known for their soft-bodied appearance. These ticks share similarities with their relatives, hardbacked ticks (family Ixodidae), which have a hard dorsal shield or scutum. However, in the case of softbacked ticks, this scutum is either absent or greatly reduced, providing them with a distinct physical characteristic.
Softbacked ticks are ectoparasites that rely on the blood of their hosts to complete their life cycle. They are typically found in warm and humid environments, often inhabiting burrows, nests, and roosts of bird, mammal, or reptile hosts, as well as caves. Softbacked ticks have a flattened shape, making it easier for them to move through crevices and fur or feathers.
These ticks engorge themselves with blood during their feeding stage, which can last from minutes to hours, depending on the species and individual circumstances. Softbacked ticks are known vectors for a range of diseases, including spirochetosis and avian and mammalian borreliosis, posing a risk to both humans and animals.
Softbacked ticks have relatively short mouthparts compared to hardbacked ticks, making them less noticeable and often harder to remove once attached to a host. Although they can be challenging to detect, regular inspection of individuals and pets who may have encountered tick-infested areas is essential for prevention and early detection of potential diseases.
