Ectoparasites and other ectosymbiotic arthropods of vertebrates in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA Author Reeves, Will K. Author Durden, Lance A. Author Ritzi, Christopher M. Author Beckham, Katy R. Author Super, Paul E Author Oconnor, Barry M. text Zootaxa 2007 1392 31 68 journal article 50155 10.5281/zenodo.273680 b16429f8-be10-4681-ae21-d44e1643a345 1175­5326 273680 Amblyomma americanum (L.) ­ lone star tick Ex Carpodacus mexicanus (house finch): 6L, NC, Swain Co., Oconaluftee, 25 Jun. 2001 , P. Super, L­2967. Ex Procyon lotor (raccoon): 2L, GSMNP , 28 Sep. 1986 , R. Thompson, RML119896; 1N, 2L, GSMNP , 4 Sep. 1988 , R. Thompson, RML119894; 1N, 2L, GSMNP , 4 Sep. 1988 , R. Thompson, RML119895; 5N, 3L, GSMNP , date not given, R. Thompson, RML119899. The lone star tick is common and widespread in the eastern United States and occurs as far north as Maine (Keirans & Lacombe 1998). However, the relatively small number of records from the Park suggests that it is not common there. Immature ticks parasitize a variety of birds and mammals whereas adults typically parasitize larger mammals including humans (Bishopp & Trembley 1945, Strickland et al. 1976, Durden & Kollars 1992). This tick is a vector of Ehrlichia chaffeensis , Ehrlichia ewingii , Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii , and “ Borrelia lonestarii ” a putative agent of southern tick associated rash illness (STARI) also known as “Lymelike disease” (Childs & Paddock 2003). A new Ehrlichia sp., similar to the agent of heartwater, was recently reported from A. americanum in Georgia (Loftis et al. 2006).