Using Systematic Review Data to evaluate the collection strategies and host preference of Amblyomma americanum and Dermacentor variabilis ticks (Acari:Ixodidae) across the United States

Many studies have published reviews on the ecology and biology of Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma americanum ticks. These studies identify collection ecologies of these species using a limited number of studies. Here we use data from a structured systematic review to evaluate what is currently known about the collection ecology of these species, as well as use these data to draw conclusions about the social science of tick collection for these species. Key word searches were initially conducted using Web of Science and a combination of the following keywords in the year range of 1950-2021: Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis, American dog tick, surveillance, trapping, and dragging. From an initial 9,356 titles, 169 published studies were systematically selected using defined criteria, and had data extracted. These data demonstrated what is currently known about these species with animal collection as the most effective way to capture D. variabilis ticks and dragging as the most effective and efficient way to collection A. americanum. Of tick dragging, animal collections, and carbon dioxide baiting, CO² baiting was the least utilized method of capture. Dermacentor variabilis were most common on small animals in juvenile stages and meso-mammals in the adult stage. Amblyomma americanum more frequently utilized birds as host in juvenile stages, and meso-mammals were frequently utilized by the adult stages. These data will prove useful for targeting these species in the field through appropriate collection methods and are more representative of the total geographic area for these species.