Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41528406›Full record

ArticleActa parasitologica2026

First Report of Morphological Anomalies in Haemaphysalis megaspinosa Ticks from Japan.

Ryo Matsumura, Kyoko Sawabe, Toshinori Sasaki, Kyo Itoyama, Haruhiko Isawa, Mizue Inumaru

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Article in Acta parasitologica, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Ryo MatsumuraDepartment of Medical Entomology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan Institute for Health Security, 1-23-1 Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162- 8640, Japan.
Kyoko SawabeGraduate School of Agriculture and Life Science, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-0032, Japan.
Toshinori SasakiDepartment of Medical Entomology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan Institute for Health Security, 1-23-1 Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162- 8640, Japan.
Kyo ItoyamaGraduate School of Agriculture, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 214-8571, Japan.
Haruhiko IsawaDepartment of Medical Entomology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan Institute for Health Security, 1-23-1 Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162- 8640, Japan.
Mizue InumaruDepartment of Medical Entomology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan Institute for Health Security, 1-23-1 Shinjuku, Tokyo, 162- 8640, Japan. inumaru.m@jihs.go.jp.

Funding

Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development JP22fk0108693Japan Society for the Promotion of Science JP25KJ2130
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeMorphological anomalies in ticks have been described in various species. Gynandromorphism, asymmetry, and lack of legs are well documented anomalies worldwide. However, only two cases have been reported in Japan. Furthermore, few studies have documented anomalies which could impact the identification of ticks. This study reports morphological anomalies in Haemaphysalis megaspinosa ticks for the first time.

methodHost-questing H. megaspinosa ticks were collected from the southern part of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, using a flannel sheet (70 × 100 cm) dragged over vegetation. Morphological observations were performed using a light microscope.

resultsA total of 1,352 H. megaspinosa nymphs were collected, and morphological anomalies of the capitulum were observed in four individuals (0.3%). Among these, three individuals had a 3/3 dental formula, differing from those of normal individuals which have a 2/2 dental formula. The remaining specimen had a 3/2 dental formula and deformed palps.

conclusionSince the dental formula is a key morphological feature for identification of Haemaphysalis nymphs, this anomaly could potentially lead to misidentification. Hence, such anomalies, although potentially rare, are important to document considering accurate morphological identification. Further studies are needed to clarify the actual status of tick morphological anomalies in Japan.

Indexed as

IxodidaeAnimalsFemaleJapanMaleMicroscopyNymphCapitulumDental formulaHaemaphysalis megaspinosaHypostomeMorphological anomaliesTick

Identifiers

PMID41528406

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