Amblyomma dissimile in Boa constrictor in captivity at the Wildlife Attention and Valuation Center in Montería (Córdoba, Colombia)

Abstract

This study aimed to identify ticks removed from specimens of <em>Boa constrictor</em> taken to the Wildlife Attention and Valuation Center (CAV) in Montería (Córdoba, Colombia). To this effect, a total of 199 ticks were obtained from 27 snake specimens. The ectoparasites were preserved in 70% alcohol and later identified using various taxonomic codes. 100% of the ticks were identified as <em>Amblyomma dissimile</em>, 58.4% of which were males and 41.6% females. The study was able to evidence that the tick of greatest prevalence in <em>Boa constrictor</em> is <em>Amblyomma dissimile</em> as an ectoparasite of this reptile.