Features of distribution and parasitism of Dermacentor silvarum Olenev, 1931 on the western periphery of the range

In the Sothern Trans-Urals region (Kurgan region) 125 individuals of ticks were collected on the western periphery of the Dermacentor silvarum range during April–August 2020–2024 on the small mammals using the methods of the trapping grooves and trap lines. D. silvarum is found throughout the entire territory of Kurgan Oblast. During the long-term period (1980s and 2020–2024) its parasitization was noted on 19 species of small mammals and one hybrid form (russet and red-cheeked ground squirrel). D. silvarum was found more often than other small mammals on the common shrew, northern red-backed vole, narrow-headed vole, field vole and tundra vole. The occurrence and abundance of this tick are very low. D. silvarum belongs to moistened and afforested territories in the herb-bunchgrass steppe, but in forest-steppe and subtaira does not avoid open spaces.