Tick Species Composition in Maple and Oak Forests of Pennsylvania in 2024

Over the past two decades, tickborne diseases have demonstrated a steady rise in the United States. However, identifying and diagnosing tick-borne diseases remains a challenging process. Bloodfeeding from ticks presents many opportunities for the proliferation of pathogens through the transmission of diseases between hosts. The primary aim of this study is to outline tick species composition within maple and oak dominated forests of Pennsylvania. Samples of ticks were collected alongside trails from sites across Pennsylvania and identified with a dichotomous key. It was found that maple and oak forests of Pennsylvania presented moderate diversity with only 6 species identified. While I. scapularis was the most widespread species found, H. longicornis was the most abundant. Understanding tick ecology will provide a comprehensive understanding to evaluate the risks of disease transmission.