taxonID	type	description	language	source
03D63D52FFEBFFB6C6BAF8DEFBE1F809.taxon	description	Other hosts: Agelaius phoeniceus (Linnaeus), Quiscalus sp., Sturnella sp. (Passeriformes: Icteridae), Ammodramus savannarum (Gmelin), Ammospiza maritima (Wilson), Passerculus sandwichensis (Gmelin), Pipilo erythrophthalmus (Linnaeus) (Passeriformes: Passerellidae), unspecified lark (Passeriformes), Circus hudsonius (Linnaeus) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae). Type-locality: USA: Florida: Orange County, Christmas. Other localities: USA: Florida: Clay County, Penney Farms; Highlands County, Avon Park; Lee County, Bonita Springs; Wakulla County, Shell Point; South Carolina: Charleston County, 8 miles west of Charleston; Texas: Refugio County, Tivoli; Victoria County, Victoria; Willacy County, Raymondville. Type-material: Holotype male, from S. magna, Christmas (~ 28 ° 31 ' N, 81 ° W), Orange County, Florida, USA, 29. xii. 1936, B. V. Travis (BVT); deposited in the USNTC (USNMENT 01784543). Allotype female, with the same host and locality data as for holotype, 31. xii. 1936, BVT; deposited in the USNTC (USNMENT 01784544). Paratypes: 30 males, 3 females, 19 nymphs and 84 larvae. USA: Florida: Clay County, Penney Farms (~ 29 ° 58 ' N, 81 ° 48 ' W): 4 males and 1 larva, from Sturnella sp., 30. xi. 1937, H. M. Brundrett (HMB), USNMENT 01784545; same locality: 3 males, from Sturnella sp., 22. i. 1938, HMB, USNMENT 01784546; same locality: 6 males, from Sturnella sp., 30. xi. 1937, HMB, USNMENT 01784547; same locality: 4 males, from Sturnella sp., 26. x. 1937, HMB, USNMENT 01784548; Highlands County, Avon Park (~ 27 ° 35 ' N, 81 ° 30 ' W): 1 nymph, from A. savannarum, 15. iii. 1990, M. Delany, USNMENT 01784549; Lee County, Bonita Springs (~ 26 ° 20 ' N, 81 ° 47 ' W): 1 female and 12 larvae, from S. magna, 22. xi. 1936, BVT, USNMENT 01784550; Orange County, Christmas: 1 male and 18 larvae, from S. magna, 31. xii. 1936, BVT, USNMENT 01784551; same locality: 1 male and 1 larva, from S. magna, 1. i. 1937, BVT, USNMENT 01784552; same locality: 1 male, from S. magna, 3. i. 1937, BVT, USNMENT 01784553; same locality: 1 larva, from P. erythrophthalmus, 24. xi. 1936, BVT, USNMENT 01784554; same locality: 2 larvae, from S. magna, 22. xi. 1936, BVT, USNMENT 01784555; same locality: 6 males, 2 nymphs and 10 larvae, from S. magna, 29. xii. 1936, BVT, USNMENT 01784556; Wakulla County, Shell Point (~ 27 ° 52 ' N, 82 ° 29 ' W): 1 nymph, from S. magna, 17. iv. 1938, BVT, USNMENT 01784557; same locality: 2 males and 4 larvae, from S. magna, 9. xi. 1936, BVT, USNMENT 01784558; same locality: 1 male and 7 larvae, from S. magna, 30. x. 1936, BVT, USNMENT 01784559; same locality: 1 male and 5 nymphs, from S. magna, 17. iv. 1938, BVT, USNMENT 01784560; same locality: 1 nymph, from A. maritima, 30. v. 1935, USNMENT 01784561; South Carolina: Charleston County, 8 miles west of Charleston (~ 32 ° 47 ' N, 80 ° 12 ' W): 1 nymph, from P. sandwichensis, 27. iii. 1933, USNMENT 01784562; same locality: 1 nymph, from P. sandwichensis, 27. iii. 1933, USNMENT 01784563; Texas: Refugio County, Tivoli (~ 28 ° 27 ' N, 96 ° 53 ' W): 1 female, from Sturnella sp., 10. xi. 1918, J. D. Mitchell (JDM), USNMENT 01784564; Victoria County (~ 28 ° 48 ' N, 96 ° 58 ' W): 1 nymph and 1 larva, from Sturnella sp., 27. i. 1909, JDM, USNMENT 01784572; Victoria County, Victoria (~ 28 ° 49 ' N, 96 ° 59 ' W): 1 female and 1 nymph, from Sturnella sp., 30. xii. 1908, JDM, USNMENT 01784565; same locality: 1 nymph and 18 larvae, from lark, 5. i. 1909, JDM, USNMENT 01784566; same locality: 5 larvae, from lark, 10. xii. 1908, JDM, USNMENT 01784567; same locality: 1 larva, from Quiscalus sp., 8. xii. 1908, JDM, USNMENT 01784568; same locality: 1 nymph, from C. hudsonius, 6. i. 1909, JDM, USNMENT 01784569; same locality: 3 larvae, from Sturnella sp., 5. i. 1909, JDM, USNMENT 01784570; same locality: 1 nymph, from A. phoeniceus, 28. i. 1909, JDM, USNMENT 01784571; Willacy County, Raymondville (~ 26 ° 28 ' N, 97 ° 46 ' W): 2 nymphs, from Sturnella sp., 20. iv. 1937, Krupling, USNMENT 01784573. All paratypes are deposited in the USNTC. ZooBank registration: The Life Science Identifier (LSID) for Haemaphysalis vasilisae sp. nov. is urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: C 574 ED 33 - 0 EE 8 - 416 A- 9485 - 91 A 0 AE 04 E 5 E 4. Etymology: The species is named after Vasilisa Dmitrievna Apanaskevich, my precious daughter who shines as brightly as this tick species and who avidly supported this and all my other works on ticks. Description Male [Based on 31 specimens; Figs. 1 A – 3.] Conscutum (Figs. 1 A, 2 A – C) length from scapular apices to posterior margin 2.30 – 2.75 (2.50 ± 0.10; n = 31), width 1.26 – 1.48 (1.35 ± 0.05; n = 31), ratio 1.77 – 2.00 (1.86 ± 0.06; n = 31), narrowly suboval, widest posterior to mid-length, nearly entirely covered with pearly enameling leaving punctations, grooves and sometimes pseudoscutual area brownish; scapulae short, blunt; cervical grooves faint, very shallow; lateral grooves deep, extending from level of leg II to first festoon, enclosing first, second and sometimes third festoon; eleven distinct festoons; punctations distinct, dense, uniform in distribution, relatively small and moderately deep; setae numerous, short (c. 0.01) and poorly distinct (Fig. 2 A – C). Genital apron medial to coxae II with numerous moderately long denticles on posterior margin (Fig. 2 D, E); postgenital sclerite (Fig. 2 F) moderately long and broad, more than twice as broad as long, nearly semioval. Spiracular plates (Fig. 2 G) length 0.40 – 0.52 (0.48 ± 0.03; n = 31), width 0.31 – 0.40 (0.35 ± 0.02; n = 31), ratio 1.18 – 1.54 (1.38 ± 0.06; n = 31); ratio length of spiracular plate to length of festoon I 2.68 – 3.70 (3.14 ± 0.27; n = 31), broadly suboval, with short and broad dorsal prolongation. Gnathosoma (Fig. 3 A – C) length from palpal apices to cornual apices dorsally 0.46 – 0.54 (0.49 ± 0.02; n = 31), width of gnathosoma between lateral projection of palpal segments II dorsally 0.48 – 0.55 (0.52 ± 0.02; n = 31), ratio 0.89 – 1.04 (0.96 ± 0.04; n = 31). Dorsal basis capituli (Fig. 3 A) length 0.20 – 0.24 (0.21 ± 0.01; n = 31), width 0.31 – 0.35 (0.33 ± 0.01; n = 31), ratio width to length 1.44 – 1.67 (1.56 ± 0.07; n = 31); subrectangular with parallel lateral margins, posterior margin nearly straight; cornua moderately long, with narrowly rounded apex, directed slightly posteromedially, ratio total length of basis capituli, including cornua, to cornual length 4.17 – 6.38 (5.42 ± 0.59; n = 31). Ventral basis capituli (Fig. 3 B, C) subrectangular; auriculae lacking. Palpi (Fig. 3 A – D) short, length dorsally (segments II – III) 0.26 – 0.31 (0.28 ± 0.01; n = 31), width 0.22 – 0.26 (0.24 ± 0.01; n = 31), ratio 1.10 – 1.27 (1.18 ± 0.04; n = 31); broadly salient, ratio combined palpal width to basis capituli width 1.47 – 1.66 (1.57 ± 0.05; n = 31); segment I poorly distinct, narrow; dorsomedial margin of segment II abruptly widening anteriorly at its mid-length; posterolateral margin of segment II moderately steeply convergent posteromedially, very slightly convex dorsally and nearly straight ventrally; apices of lateral projections of palpal segment II directed anterolaterally; posterodorsal and posteroventral spurs on segment II lacking; numerous, moderately broad and densely denticulated ventromedial setae on palpal segment II; segment III dorsally subtriangular with broadly rounded apex; moderately long ventral spur of segment III nearly twice as long as broad, with narrowly rounded apex, directed posteromedially. Hypostome (Fig. 3 B) short, broadly rounded at apex; dental formula usually 5 / 5 throughout entire hypostomal length or partially 4 / 4 - 5 / 5 or 4 / 4 - 4 / 5, rarely 4 / 4 throughout entire hypostomal length; with approximately 8 denticles in file. Legs moderately long, slender. Coxae (Fig. 3 E, F): coxa I with moderately long and narrow internal spur with broadly rounded apex, directed posteriorly; coxae II and III each with short and moderately narrow spur, with broadly rounded apex, directed posteriorly; coxa IV with very long: slightly more than twice as long as broad, narrow internal spur, with tapering apex, directed slightly posteromedially; spur on coxa IV nearly 2.5 – 3 times longer than spur on coxa I, spur on coxa I nearly twice longer than spur on coxae II and III. Trochanter I (Fig. 3 G) with long dorsal spur, with pointed apex; trochanters I – IV (Fig. 3 E) without distinct spur ventrally. Female [Based on 4 specimens; Figs. 1 B, 4, 5.] Idiosoma (Fig. 4 A, E) of moderately engorged specimens broadly suboval, widest approximately at mid-length. Scutum (Figs. 1 B, 4 A – D) length 1.24 – 1.36 (1.29 ± 0.06; n = 4), width 1.00 – 1.10 (1.04 ± 0.04; n = 4), ratio 1.22 – 1.25 (1.24 ± 0.02; n = 4); narrowly suboval, diverging in anterior 1 / 4 and then gradually converging to broadly rounded and angular posterior margin; scutum nearly entirely or partially covered with pearly enameling, most distinct enamelling on central scutal field; cervical grooves distinct, narrow and moderately deep, extending slightly posterior to scutal mid-length; punctations distinct, moderately dense, uniform in distribution, moderately large and moderately deep; setae (Fig. 4 A – D) numerous, short (c. 0.01), distributed as figured. Setae of alloscutum (Fig. 4 A – D) numerous, evenly distributed, nearly as long as scutal setae (length of setae in center of alloscutum c. 0.01). Genital aperture (Fig. 4 E, F, G) medial to coxae II, broadly Ushaped, lateral margins convergent, genital sclerites indistinct, preatrial fold slightly concaved centrally. Spiracular plates (Fig. 5 A) length 0.39 – 0.51 (0.46 ± 0.05; n = 4), width 0.35 – 0.43 (0.40 ± 0.04; n = 4), ratio 1.12 – 1.18 (1.15 ± 0.02; n = 4), broadly suboval, with short broad dorsal prolongation. Gnathosoma (Fig. 5 B – D) length from palpal apices to cornual apices dorsally 0.60 – 0.65 (0.61 ± 0.02; n = 4), width of gnathosoma between lateral projection of palpal segments II dorsally 0.69 – 0.72 (0.70 ± 0.01; n = 4), ratio 0.85 – 0.89 (0.87 ± 0.02; n = 4). Dorsal basis capituli (Fig. 5 B) length 0.21 – 0.23 (0.22 ± 0.01; n = 4), width 0.48 – 0.49 (0.49 ± 0.004; n = 4), ratio width to length 2.13 – 2.28 (2.20 ± 0.06; n = 4); subrectangular, with nearly parallel lateral margins; posterior margin nearly straight; cornua indistinct or very short, with broadly rounded apex, ratio total length of basis capituli, including cornua, to cornual length 25.00 – 27.00 (26.13 ± 0.85; n = 4); porose areas suboval, with clear circumscribed borders, moderately indented, greatest dimension slightly inclined posterolaterally, separated by distance nearly equal to or slightly less than their width. Ventral basis capituli (Fig. 5 C, D) subrectangular; auriculae lacking. Palpi (Fig. 5 B – E) short, length dorsally (segments II – III) 0.38 – 0.43 (0.40 ± 0.02; n = 4), width 0.32 – 0.34 (0.33 ± 0.01; n = 4), ratio 1.13 – 1.25 (1.19 ± 0.05; n = 4); broadly salient, ratio combined palpal width to basis capituli width 1.42 – 1.47 (1.44 ± 0.02; n = 4); segment I poorly distinct, narrow; dorsomedial margin of segment II gradually widening anteriorly for proximal 2 / 3 of segment length; posterolateral margin of segment II moderately steeply convergent posteromedially, very slightly convex dorsally and ventrally; apices of lateral projections of palpal segment II directed slightly anterolaterally; posterodorsal and posteroventral spurs on segment II lacking; numerous, moderately broad and densely denticulated ventromedial setae on palpal segment II; segment III dorsally subtriangular with broadly rounded apex; moderately short ventral spur of segment III nearly twice as long as broad, with narrowly rounded apex, directed posteromedially. Hypostome (Fig. 5 C) short, broadly rounded at apex; dental formula 5 / 5 (rarely some rows 4 / 5) throughout hypostomal length, with approximately 9 – 10 denticles in file. Legs moderately long, slender. Coxae (Fig. 5 F, G): coxa I with moderately long and narrow internal spur with broadly rounded apex, directed posteriorly; coxae II and III each with moderately long and moderately broad, subequal spur with broadly rounded apex, directed slightly posterolaterally; coxa IV with moderately long, broad spur, with broadly rounded apex, directed posteriorly, slightly longer than spur on coxae I – III. Trochanter I (Fig. 5 H) with long dorsal spur, with pointed apex; trochanters I – IV (Fig. 5 F) without distinct spur ventrally. Nymph [Based on 19 specimens; Figs. 6, 7.] Idiosoma (Fig. 6 A, C) of slightly fed specimen broadly suboval, widest slightly posterior to mid-length. Scutum (Fig. 6 A, B) length 0.47 – 0.57 (0.53 ± 0.03; n = 19), width 0.45 – 0.55 (0.50 ± 0.03; n = 19), ratio 0.98 – 1.13 (1.06 ± 0.04; n = 19); lateral margins diverging for anterior third of scutal length, then converging to broadly rounded and slightly angular posterior margin; posterolateral margins convex; cervical grooves moderately deep and narrow for anterior third of scutal length and then indistinct; very sparse small punctations; setae (Fig. 6 A, B) sparse, very short; length of middle central c. 0.007, shorter than those on alloscutum, distributed as figured. Alloscutum (Fig. 6 A) as illustrated; setae (Fig. 6 A) sparse, very short, length of setae in center of alloscutum c. 0.01 and length of setae in anterolateral area of alloscutum c. 0.015. Anal groove (Fig. 6 C) semioval with open anterior margin; ventral setae (Fig. 6 C) moderately sparse, distributed as figured. Spiracular plates (Fig. 7 A) length 0.13 – 0.19 (0.16 ± 0.01; n = 18), width 0.14 – 0.19 (0.17 ± 0.01; n = 18), ratio 0.86 – 1.03 (0.94 ± 0.04; n = 18), broadly suboval. Gnathosoma (Fig. 7 B – D) length from palpal apices to posterior margin of basis capituli dorsally 0.24 – 0.27 (0.26 ± 0.01; n = 19), width at lateral projection of palpal segments II 0.26 – 0.31 (0.28 ± 0.01; n = 19), ratio 0.86 – 1.00 (0.92 ± 0.04; n = 19). Dorsal basis capituli (Fig. 7 B) subhexagonal, lateral projections tapering to narrowly rounded apex; apex of lateral projections slightly posterior to basis capituli mid-length; posterior margin slightly convex. Ventral basis capituli (Fig. 7 C, D) rectangular; auriculae as short and broad posterolateral projections. Palpi (Fig. 7 B – E) short, length dorsally (segments II and III) 0.14 – 0.17 (0.16 ± 0.01; n = 19), width 0.11 – 0.14 (0.12 ± 0.005; n = 19), ratio 1.19 – 1.33 (1.26 ± 0.04; n = 19); moderately salient, ratio combined palpal width to basis capituli width 1.03 – 1.20 (1.11 ± 0.04; n = 19); segment I narrow, indistinct; posterodorsal and posteroventral spurs on segment II lacking; posterolateral margin of segment II moderately steeply convergent posteromedially; 4 or 5 broad and densely denticulated ventromedian setae on palpal segment II; segment III dorsally subtriangular with narrowly rounded apex; moderately long ventral spur of segment III nearly as long as broad, triangular, with narrowly rounded apex; segments II and III separated by poorly distinct suture between them. Hypostome (Fig. 7 C) length 0.14 (n = 1), width 0.06 (n = 1), ratio 2.25 (n = 1); broadly rounded at apex; dental formula 2 / 2 throughout hypostomal length with approximately 7 larger denticles in files. Coxae (Fig. 7 F): coxa I with moderately long, narrow, broadly rounded at apex internal spur; coxae II – IV with subequal, moderately short, broad, broadly rounded at apex internal spur; external spur on coxae I – IV lacking. Trochanter I (Fig. 7 G) with long dorsal spur, with pointed apex; trochanters I – IV (Fig. 7 F) without ventral spur. Larva [Based on 84 specimens; Figs. 8, 9.] Idiosoma (Fig. 8 A, C) of slightly fed specimens broadly suboval, widest near mid-length. Scutum (Fig. 8 B) length from scapular apices to posterior margin 235 – 260 (247 ± 7; n = 16), maximal width 298 – 335 (319 ± 11; n = 17), ratio 0.73 – 0.84 (0.77 ± 0.03; n = 16); pentagonal, posterior margin broadly rounded, posterolateral marginal depressions indistinct; cervical grooves deep in anterior third of scutal length and then as faint, shallow depressions. Setae 3 pairs, Sc 2 10 – 13 (11 ± 1; n = 5), Sc 3 6 – 10 (8 ± 1; n = 12). Dorsal setae of alloscutum 10 pairs; 2 pairs of central dorsals, Cd 1 8 – 13 (10 ± 2; n = 10), Cd 2 9 – 14 (11 ± 2; n = 8); 8 pairs of marginal dorsals, Md 1 10 – 14 (11 ± 1; n = 13), Md 8 11 – 16 (13 ± 2; n = 9). Ventral setae 13 pairs plus 1 pair on anal valves; 3 pairs of sternals, St 1 12 – 19 (14 ± 2; n = 12); 2 pairs of preanals, Pa 1 12 – 18 (13 ± 2; n = 10), Pa 2 10 – 16 (13 ± 2; n = 13); 4 pairs of premarginals, Pm 1 12 – 17 (13 ± 2; n = 9); 4 pairs of marginal ventrals, Mv 1 13 – 19 (15 ± 2; n = 12), Mv 4 13 – 20 (15 ± 2; n = 12). Gnathosoma (Fig. 9) length from palpal apices to posterior margin of basis capituli dorsally 105 – 150 (125 ± 11; n = 17), width of gnathosoma between lateral projection of palpal segments II dorsally 160 – 181 (172 ± 6; n = 18), ratio 0.65 – 0.83 (0.73 ± 0.06; n = 17). Basis capituli width dorsally 133 – 150 (143 ± 5; n = 18), dorsally subhexagonal; apex of lateral projections nearly at mid-length of basis capituli; posterior margin slightly concave to nearly straight; ventrally rectangular; short, poorly distinct, broadly rounded auriculae ventrally; 1 pair of posthypostomal setae. Palpi (Fig. 9) short, length 95 – 108 (101 ± 3; n = 17), width 50 – 58 (54 ± 2; n = 18), ratio 1.78 – 2.00 (1.89 ± 0.06; n = 17); slightly salient, ratio combined palpal width to basis capituli width dorsally 1.10 – 1.26 (1.20 ± 0.04; n = 18); segment I indistinct; suture between palpal segments II and III indistinct; posterodorsal and posteroventral spurs on palpal segment II lacking; lateral projection of palpal segment II short directed slightly anterolaterally; palpal segment III narrowly rounded at anterior apex; posteroventral spur of palpal segment III short, as long as broad, triangular, with narrowly rounded apex; segment I without setae, segments II and III combined with 9 dorsal and 3 ventral setae. Hypostome (Fig. 9 B) length from apex to level of posthypostomal setae 69 – 76 (72 ± 2; n = 16), width 33 – 39 (35 ± 2; n = 16), ratio 1.87 – 2.22 (2.04 ± 0.09; n = 16); blunt at apex; dental formula 2 / 2; denticles in files of 5 or 6; denticulated portion distinctly longer than half of hypostomal length. Coxae (Fig. 8 D) spur of coxa I short, broadly rounded; spur of coxa II short, very broadly rounded; spur on coxa III very short, poorly distinct, ridge-like. Genu I length 113 – 128 (119 ± 5; n = 17). Tarsus I length 165 – 193 (177 ± 7; n = 17); tarsus III length 145 – 160 (151 ± 5; n = 16).	en	Apanaskevich, Dmitry A. (2025): Description of a new species of Haemaphysalis Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae), an ornate parasite of birds in Florida, South Carolina and Texas (USA), and redescription of all parasitic stages of H. chordeilis (Packard, 1869). Zootaxa 5691 (1): 45-74, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.1.2
03D63D52FFEBFFB6C6BAF8DEFBE1F809.taxon	discussion	Remarks Previous workers misidentified all specimens of H. vasilisae sp. nov. in the USNTC as H. chordeilis. Undoubtedly, the male of H. vasilisae sp. nov. was described in Bishopp (1911) as H. chordeilis and illustrated in Hooker et al. (1912) as H. chordeilis. Descriptions of the male, female, nymph and larva of H. chordeilis in Hooker et al. (1912) is apparently based on a mix of H. vasilisae sp. nov. and H. chordeilis. The female of H. vasilisae sp. nov. is illustrated in Nuttall & Warburton (1915) as H. cinnabarina from Texas; clearly the descriptions of both the male and female of H. cinnabarina in that work are based on a mix of H. vasilisae sp. nov. and H. chordeilis. The larva of H. vasilisae sp. nov. is described in Clifford et al. (1961) as H. chordeilis. By having a moderately long ventral spur on palpal segment III and 4 / 4 – 5 / 5 hypostomal dentition in both the male and female, and hexagonal basis capituli dorsally in the nymph and larva, H. vasilisae sp. nov. most closely resembles only those of H. chordeilis in the Americas. Both males and females of H. vasilisae sp. nov. can easily be distinguished from males and females of H. chordeilis by the ornate, pearly enamelling on conscutum and scutum in H. vasilisae sp. nov. (vs inornate, brown conscutum and scutum in H. chordeilis), narrow conscutum and scutum: mean ratio length to width of conscutum in the male 1.86 [1.77 – 2.00; here and below the min – max is in parenthesis], mean ratio length to width of scutum in the female 1.24 [1.22 – 1.25] (vs broad conscutum and scutum: mean ratio length to width of conscutum in the male 1.51 [1.42 – 1.60]; mean ratio length to width of scutum in the female 1.13 [1.05 – 1.19] in H. chordeilis); larger spiracular plates in the male: mean ratio length of spiracular plate to length of festoon I 3.14 [2.68 – 3.70] (vs smaller spiracular plates in male: mean ratio length of spiracular plate to length of festoon I 2.01 [1.65 – 2.67] in H. chordeilis); more longitudinally ovoid spiracular plates in the female: mean ratio length to width 1.15 [1.12 – 1.18] (vs more rounded spiracular plates in female: mean ratio length to width 0.99 [0.91 – 1.10] in H. chordeilis). Additionally females of H. vasilisae sp. nov. have less distinct cornua: mean ratio length of basis capituli dorsally including cornua to cornua length 26.13 [25.00 – 27.00] (vs more pronounced cornua: mean ratio length of basis capituli dorsally including cornua to cornua length 10.22 [5.33 – 19.33] in H. chordeilis); this additional difference, at least partially, is explained by the posterior margin of the basis capituli in females of H. vasilisae sp. nov. being more straight in comparison to a more concaved posterior margin in H. chordeilis. Also, both males and females of H. vasilisae sp. nov. have a less steeply convergent posterolateral margin of palpal segment II, shorter ventral spur on palpal segment III and spur on coxae I and IV (vs more steeply convergent posterolateral margin of palpal segment II and longer spurs in adults of H. chordeilis). Nymphs of H. vasilisae sp. nov. can be distinguished from those of H. chordeilis by the narrower scutum: mean ratio length to width 1.06 (vs broader scutum: mean ratio length to width 0.97 in H. chordeilis), broader spiracular plates: mean ratio length to width 0.94 (vs narrower spiracular plates: mean ratio length to width 0.77 in H. chordeilis), shorter spur on coxae (vs longer spur in H. chordeilis) and shorter ventral spur on palpal segment III (vs longer spur in H. chordeilis). Larvae of H. vasilisae sp. nov. can be distinguished from those of H. chordeilis by the distinctly shorter ventral spur on palpal segment III (vs longer spur in H. chordeilis), less distinct auriculae (vs more distinct auriculae in H. chordeilis), shorter spur on coxa I (vs longer spur in H. chordeilis) and shorter marginal dorsal and ventral setae on idiosoma (vs longer setae in H. chordeilis) Collection data for H. vasilisae sp. nov. are listed in the materials above. This species was collected in the USA (Florida, South Carolina and Texas States) (Fig. 10). All adults were found on the eastern meadowlark, S. magna, and meadowlark, Sturnella sp. Both nymphs and larvae were collected on the eastern meadowlark, S. magna, meadowlark, Sturnella sp. and unspecified lark; only nymphs were taken from the red-winged blackbird, A. phoeniceus, grasshopper sparrow, A. savannarum, seaside sparrow, A. maritima, Savannah sparrow, P. sandwichensis, and American harrier, C. hudsonius, whereas only larvae were collected on the eastern towhee, P. erythrophthalmus and a grackle, Quiscalus sp. (this host is named as a jackdaw on the label). Males and females were collected during January, April and October – December; nymphs were found during January, March – May and December, whereas larvae were collected during January and October – December. Literature records summarized in Egizi & Maestas (2022) from A. maritima, A. phoeniceus, A. savannarum, P. erythrophthalmus, S. magna, brown thrasher, Toxostoma rufum (Linnaeus) (Passeriformes: Mimidae) and northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus (Linnaeus) (Galliformes: Odontophoridae) in Florida, unknown hosts in Georgia, P. sandwichensis in South Carolina, C. virginianus, S. magna, Sturnella sp. in Texas and unspecified record from Louisiana (Clifford et al. 1961) apparently should refer to H. vasilisae sp. nov. Reexamination of specimens collected in Arizona, Missouri (USA), US Virgin Islands and Sinaloa (Mexico) as well as those from unspecified locality in Mid-Atlantic United States (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia) is necessary to verify their identity and there is a possibility that at least some of them might potentially be H. vasilisae sp. nov.	en	Apanaskevich, Dmitry A. (2025): Description of a new species of Haemaphysalis Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae), an ornate parasite of birds in Florida, South Carolina and Texas (USA), and redescription of all parasitic stages of H. chordeilis (Packard, 1869). Zootaxa 5691 (1): 45-74, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.1.2
03D63D52FFE5FFA3C6BAFBE3FAB5F8A5.taxon	description	Type-host: Chordeiles minor (Forster) (Caprimulgiformes: Caprimulgidae). Other hosts: Bonasa umbellus (Linnaeus), Centrocercus urophasianus (Bonaparte), Dendragapus obscurus (Say), Falcipennis canadensis (Linnaeus), Meleagris gallopavo Linnaeus, Tympanuchus cupido (Linnaeus), Tympanuchus phasianellus (Linnaeus), Tympanuchus sp., unspecified grouse (Galliformes: Phasianidae), Zonotrichia leucophrys (Forster) (Passeriformes: Passerellidae), unspecified rabbit (Lagomorpha: Leporidae), unspecified pocket gopher (Rodentia: Geomyidae), Bos taurus Linnaeus (Artiodactyla: Bovidae), Equus caballus Linnaeus (Perissodactyla: Equidae). Type-locality: USA: Massachusetts. Other localities: Canada: Alberta: Medicine Hat, Seven Persons; Manitoba; Ontario: Algonquin Park, Almonte. USA: California: Marin County, Fort Barry; Idaho: Elmore County, Boise National Forest; Massachusetts: Dukes County, Gay Head, Vineyard Haven; Michigan: Clinton and Ingham Counties, East Lansing; Mecosta County, Big Rapids; Otsego County, Johannesburg; Minnesota: Morrison County, Cushing; Montana: Carter County, Piniele; Fergus County, Judith Mountains, Lewistown, Roy, 1.5 miles southwest of Jerigo Farm, 2.5 miles east of Roy; Hill County, Havre; Ravalli County, Florence, Hamilton, Victor; Nebraska: Dawes County, Chadron; New Hampshire: Merrimack County, Boscawen; New York: Albany County, Delmar; Utah: Garfield County; Vermont: Windsor County, Norwich, Taftsville; Washington: Grays Harbor County, 4 miles south of Westport; Lewis County, Silver Creek; Wisconsin: Wood County, 2 miles south of Babcock; Wyoming: Sheridan County, Little Goose Canyon. Type-material: Holotype female, from C. minor, Massachusetts, USA, F. G. Sanborn; deposited in the MCZ (No. 50239). Other material: 157 males, 30 females, 50 nymphs and 178 larvae. Canada: Alberta: Medicine Hat (~ 50 ° 2 ' N, 110 ° 40 ' W): 1 female, from drag, 18. v. 1952, J. H. Brown, USNMENT 01784575; Seven Persons (~ 49 ° 52 ' N, 110 ° 54 ' W): 1 male, 9. v. 1951, J. Higgin, USNMENT 01784576; Manitoba: 8 larvae (reared in laboratory), parent female from domestic cattle, ix. 1913, J. R. N. Harrison, USNMENT 01784577; Ontario: Algonquin Park (~ 45 ° 47 ' N, 78 ° 24 ' W): 1 male, 1 female and 2 nymphs, from F. canadensis, 9. vii. 1949, D. M. Davier, USNMENT 01784578; Almonte (~ 45 ° 13 ' N, 76 ° 11 ' W): 1 female, from M. gallopavo, 22. vii. 1940, C. R. Twinn, USNMENT 01784579. USA: California: Marin County, Fort Barry (~ 37 ° 49 ' N, 122 ° 31 ' W): 1 male, from flag, 9. i. 1952, S. J. Carpenter, USNMENT 01784574; Idaho: Elmore County, Boise National Forest (~ 44 ° N, 115 ° 24 ' W): 1 female, from D. obscurus, 20. vi. 1940, W. H. Marshall (WHM), USNMENT 01784580; same locality: 3 males, from D. obscurus, 6. vi. 1940, WHM, USNMENT 01784581; Massachusetts: Dukes County, Gay Head (~ 41 ° 20 ' N, 70 ° 47 ' W): 1 female, from M. gallopavo, 2. vii. 1938, C. N. Smith (CNS), USNMENT 01784582; same locality: 1 male, from drag, 2. vi. 1939, H. K. Gouck Jr., USNMENT 01784583; Vineyard Haven (~ 41 ° 27 ' N, 70 ° 36 ' W): 1 female, from drag, 12. v. 1939, CNS, USNMENT 01784584; Michigan: Clinton and Ingham Counties, East Lansing (~ 42 ° 44 ' N, 84 ° 29 ' W): 1 male, 5 females and 3 nymphs, from M. gallopavo, 13. viii. 1927, R. H. Pettit (RHP), USNMENT 01784585; Mecosta County, Big Rapids (~ 43 ° 41 ' N, 85 ° 29 ' W): 1 female, from domestic horse, 30. ix. 1933, RHP, USNMENT 01784586; Otsego County, Johannesburg (~ 44 ° 59 ' N, 84 ° 27 ' W): 1 female, from domestic cow, viii. 1945, A. Reusch, USNMENT 01784587; Minnesota: Morrison County, Cushing (~ 46 ° 8 ' N, 94 ° 34 ' W): 1 male, from rabbit, vi, USNMENT 01784588; Montana: 2 larvae, USNMENT 01784589; Carter County, Piniele (~ 45 ° 18 ' N, 104 ° 56 ' W): 1 female, from C. urophasianus, 8. ix. 1935, W. Jellison, USNMENT 01784590; Fergus County, Judith Mountains (~ 47 ° 13 ' N, 109 ° 13 ' W): 1 male and 1 female, from D. obscurus, R. L. Eng, USNMENT 01784591; Fergus County, Lewistown (~ 47 ° 3 ' N, 109 ° 25 ' W): 5 males, 1 female and 1 nymph, from C. urophasianus, 31. viii. 1931, USNMENT 01784592; same locality: 2 females, from C. urophasianus, 21. viii. 1931, USNMENT 01784593; same locality: 48 larvae, from grouse, 26. x. 1931, USNMENT 01784594; same locality: 2 nymphs and 1 larva, from C. urophasianus, 31. viii. 1931, USNMENT 01784595; Fergus County, Roy (~ 47 ° 19 ' N, 108 ° 57 ' W): 28 males, 1 female and 1 nymph (reared in laboratory), parents from C. urophasianus, 23. ix. 1931, USNMENT 01784596; same locality: 92 males, 1 female, 14 nymphs and 39 larvae (reared in laboratory), parents from C. urophasianus, 23. ix. 1931, USNMENT 01784597; same locality: 6 nymphs and 2 larvae, from C. urophasianus, 23. ix. 1931, USNMENT 01784599; same locality: 1 male, 1 female and 1 nymph, from C. urophasianus, ix. 1931, USNMENT 01784606; Fergus County, Roy, 1.5 miles southwest of Jerigo Farm: 10 nymphs and 3 larvae, from C. urophasianus, 26. ix. 1931, USNMENT 01784603; same locality: 4 nymphs, from C. urophasianus, 26. ix. 1931, USNMENT 01784604; Fergus County, 2.5 miles east of Roy: 1 nymph, from C. urophasianus, 26. ix. 1931, USNMENT 01784598; same locality: 1 nymph, from C. urophasianus, 26. ix. 1931, USNMENT 01784600; same locality: 1 larva, from C. urophasianus, 26. ix. 1931, USNMENT 01784601; same locality: 1 nymph, from C. urophasianus, 26. ix. 1931, USNMENT 01784602; same locality: 2 larvae, from C. urophasianus, 26. ix. 1931, USNMENT 01784605; Hill County, Havre (~ 48 ° 32 ' N, 109 ° 40 ' W): 4 males, from T. phasianellus, 23. ix. 1959, A. M. Jasmin, USNMENT 01784607; Ravalli County (~ 46 ° 4 ' N, 114 ° 7 ' W): 1 male, from B. umbellus, 18. ix. 1932, USNMENT 01784608; Ravalli County, Florence (~ 46 ° 38 ' N, 114 ° 4 ' W): 1 male, crawling on human, 18. vii. 1910, W. V. King, USNMENT 01784609; Ravalli County, Hamilton (~ 46 ° 14 ' N, 114 ° 9 ' W): 2 nymphs and 3 larvae, from pocket gopher, 25. ix. 1931, G. Davis, USNMENT 01784610; Ravalli County, Victor (~ 46 ° 25 ' N, 114 ° 8 ' W): 3 males and 1 larva, from D. obscurus, 10. viii. 1922, USNMENT 01784611; same locality: 1 male, from D. obscurus, 10. viii. 1922, USNMENT 01784612; same locality: 3 males and 2 larvae, from grouse, 17. viii. 1923, USNMENT 01784613; Nebraska: Dawes County, Chadron (~ 42 ° 49 ' N, 103 ° W): 4 males and 1 female, from grouse, 12. viii. 1930, C. B. Philip, USNMENT 01784614; New Hampshire: Merrimack County, Boscawen (~ 43 ° 18 ' N, 71 ° 37 ' W): 1 female, from B. umbellus, 21. viii. 1940, J. F. Mueller, USNMENT 01784615; New York: Albany County, Delmar (~ 42 ° 37 ' N, 73 ° 50 ' W): 1 female, from grouse, 1935, LeDune, USNMENT 01784616; Utah: Garfield County (~ 37 ° 52 ' N, 111 ° 26 ' W): 1 female, from rabbit, 27. vii. 1936, Eskey, USNMENT 01784617; Vermont: Windsor County, Norwich (~ 43 ° 43 ' N, 72 ° 18 ' W): 1 female and 66 larvae (larvae reared in laboratory), from M. gallopavo, 28. vi. 1909, P. B. Hadley, USNMENT 01784618; Windsor County, Taftsville (~ 43 ° 37 ' N, 72 ° 28 ' W): 1 female, from M. gallopavo, F. Spaulding, USNMENT 01784619; Washington: Grays Harbor County, 4 miles south of Westport (~ 46 ° 50 ' N, 124 ° 5 ' W): 1 female, from Z. leucophrys, 21. vi. 1959, R. C. Banks (RCB), USNMENT 01784620; same locality: 1 nymph, from Z. leucophrys, 21 – 23. vi. 1959, RCB, USNMENT 01784621; Lewis County, Silver Creek (~ 46 ° 31 ' N, 122 ° 35 ' W): 1 male, 17. vii. 1910, W. Wright, USNMENT 01784622; Wisconsin: Wood County, 2 miles south of Babcock (~ 44 ° 18 ' N, 90 ° 6 ' W): 1 male and 1 female, from T. cupido, 7. iv. 1941, W. Grange, USNMENT 01784623; Wyoming: Sheridan County, Little Goose Canyon (~ 44 ° 36 ' N, 107 ° 2 ' W): 2 males, from D. obscurus, 18. ix. 1961, W. G. Hepworth, USNMENT 01784624. No data on country and locality: 1 female, from Tympanuchus sp., 28. ix. 1934, USNMENT 01784625. All specimens are deposited in the USNTC. Etymology: The species is apparently named after the avian host genus Chordeiles Swainson on which the type specimen was collected. Description Male [Based on 157 specimens; Figs. 1 C, 11, 12.] Conscutum (Figs. 1 C, 11 A – C) length from scapular apices to posterior margin 1.95 – 2.68 (2.26 ± 0.14; n = 50), width 1.25 – 1.80 (1.50 ± 0.10; n = 50), ratio 1.42 – 1.60 (1.51 ± 0.04; n = 50), broadly suboval, widest posterior to mid-length, uniformly brown; scapulae short, blunt; cervical grooves faint, very shallow; lateral grooves deep, extending from level of leg II to first festoon, enclosing first, second and sometimes third festoons; eleven distinct festoons; punctations distinct, dense, uniform in distribution, relatively small and moderately deep; setae numerous, short (c. 0.01) and poorly distinct (Fig. 11 A – C). Genital apron medial to coxae II, with numerous moderately long denticles on posterior margin (Fig. 11 D, E); postgenital sclerite (Fig. 11 F) moderately long and broad, more than twice as broad as long, nearly semioval. Spiracular plates (Fig. 11 G) length 0.28 – 0.41 (0.32 ± 0.03; n = 50), width 0.26 – 0.37 (0.31 ± 0.02; n = 50), ratio 0.97 – 1.26 (1.07 ± 0.06; n = 50); ratio length of spiracular plate to length of festoon I 1.65 – 2.67 (2.01 ± 0.23; n = 50), angularly suboval, with short and broad dorsal prolongation. Gnathosoma (Fig. 12 A – C) length from palpal apices to cornual apices dorsally 0.43 – 0.54 (0.49 ± 0.02; n = 50), width of gnathosoma between lateral projection of palpal segments II dorsally 0.45 – 0.59 (0.50 ± 0.03; n = 50), ratio 0.89 – 1.05 (0.99 ± 0.04; n = 50). Dorsal basis capituli (Fig. 12 A) length 0.20 – 0.26 (0.23 ± 0.01; n = 50), width 0.31 – 0.37 (0.34 ± 0.02; n = 50), ratio width to length 1.39 – 1.65 (1.51 ± 0.07; n = 50); subrectangular with parallel lateral margins, posterior margin nearly straight; cornua moderately long, with narrowly rounded apex, directed slightly posteromedially, ratio total length of basis capituli, including cornua, to cornual length 3.60 – 5.40 (4.48 ± 0.54; n = 50). Ventral basis capituli (Fig. 12 B, C) subrectangular; auriculae lacking. Palpi (Fig. 12 A – D) short, length dorsally (segments II – III) 0.23 – 0.30 (0.27 ± 0.01; n = 50), width 0.21 – 0.26 (0.23 ± 0.01; n = 50), ratio 1.03 – 1.27 (1.14 ± 0.05; n = 50); broadly salient, ratio combined palpal width to basis capituli width 1.31 – 1.64 (1.46 ± 0.07; n = 50); segment I poorly distinct, narrow; dorsomedial margin of segment II gradually widening anteriorly at its mid-length; posterolateral margin of segment II steeply convergent posteromedially, very slightly convex dorsally and nearly straight ventrally; apices of lateral projections of palpal segment II directed anterolaterally; posterodorsal and posteroventral spurs on segment II lacking; numerous, moderately broad and densely denticulated ventromedial setae on palpal segment II; segment III dorsally subtriangular with broadly rounded apex; moderately long ventral spur of segment III nearly twice as long as broad, with pointed apex. Hypostome (Fig. 12 B) short, broadly rounded at apex; dental formula usually 5 / 5 throughout entire hypostomal length or partially 4 / 4 - 5 / 5 or 4 / 4 - 4 / 5, rarely 4 / 4 throughout entire hypostomal length; with approximately 8 denticles in file. Legs moderately long, slender. Coxae (Fig. 12 E, F): coxa I with moderately long and narrow internal spur with broadly rounded apex, directed posteriorly; coxae II and III each with moderately short and moderately narrow spur, with broadly rounded apex, directed posteriorly; coxa IV with very long: nearly thrice as long as broad, narrow internal spur, with tapering apex, directed slightly posteromedially; spur on coxa IV nearly 3.5 – 4 times longer than spur on coxa I, spur on coxa I nearly twice longer than spur on coxae II and III. Trochanter I (Fig. 12 G) with long dorsal spur, with pointed apex; ventral spur on trochanters I – IV (Fig. 12 E) indistinct, as very short, broad projection. Female [Based on 31 specimens; Figs. 1 D, 13, 14.] Idiosoma (Fig. 13 A, E) of slightly fed specimens broadly suboval, widest slightly posterior to mid-length. Scutum (Figs. 1 D, 13 A – D) length 1.11 – 1.36 (1.26 ± 0.07; n = 28), width 1.00 – 1.24 (1.12 ± 0.06; n = 28), ratio 1.05 – 1.19 (1.13 ± 0.04; n = 28); very broadly suboval, diverging in anterior 1 / 4 and then gradually converging to broadly rounded and slightly angular posterior margin; scutum uniformly brown; cervical grooves distinct, narrow and moderately deep, extending slightly posterior to scutal mid-length; punctations distinct, moderately dense, uniform in distribution, moderately large and moderately deep; setae (Fig. 13 A – D) numerous, short (c. 0.01), distributed as figured. Setae of alloscutum (Fig. 13 A – D) numerous, evenly distributed, slightly longer than scutal setae (length of setae in center of alloscutum c. 0.02). Genital aperture (Fig. 13 E, F, G) medial to border between coxae II and III, broadly U-shaped with broadly rounded posterior margin, lateral margins straight and convergent, genital sclerites indistinct, preatrial fold slightly concaved in center. Spiracular plates (Fig. 14 A) length 0.34 – 0.45 (0.40 ± 0.03; n = 28), width 0.36 – 0.47 (0.40 ± 0.03; n = 28), ratio 0.91 – 1.10 (0.99 ± 0.04; n = 28), angularly subcircular, with short and broad dorsal prolongation. Gnathosoma (Fig. 14 B – D) length from palpal apices to cornual apices dorsally 0.59 – 0.71 (0.65 ± 0.03; n = 28), width of gnathosoma between lateral projection of palpal segments II dorsally 0.60 – 0.77 (0.71 ± 0.03; n = 28), ratio 0.85 – 0.99 (0.91 ± 0.03; n = 28). Dorsal basis capituli (Fig. 14 B) length 0.22 – 0.27 (0.24 ± 0.01; n = 28), width 0.47 – 0.54 (0.51 ± 0.02; n = 28), ratio width to length 1.97 – 2.26 (2.10 ± 0.08; n = 28); subrectangular, with nearly parallel lateral margins; posterior margin slightly concaved; cornua short with broadly rounded apex, ratio total length of basis capituli, including cornua, to cornual length 5.33 – 19.33 (10.22 ± 3.08; n = 28); porose areas suboval, with clear circumscribed borders, moderately indented, greatest dimension slightly inclined posterolaterally, separated by distance nearly equal to or slightly less than their width. Ventral basis capituli (Fig. 14 C, D) subrectangular; auriculae lacking. Palpi (Fig. 14 B – E) short, length dorsally (segments II – III) 0.37 – 0.44 (0.41 ± 0.02; n = 28), width 0.31 – 0.36 (0.33 ± 0.02; n = 28), ratio 1.15 – 1.33 (1.23 ± 0.05; n = 28); broadly salient, ratio combined palpal width to basis capituli width 1.29 – 1.47 (1.40 ± 0.04; n = 28); segment I poorly distinct, narrow; dorsomedial margin of segment II gradually widening anteriorly for proximal 2 / 3 of segment length; posterolateral margin of segment II moderately steeply convergent posteromedially, slightly convex dorsally and ventrally; apices of lateral projections of palpal segment II directed slightly anterolaterally; posterodorsal and posteroventral spurs on segment II lacking; numerous, moderately broad and densely denticulated ventromedial setae on palpal segment II; segment III dorsally subtriangular with broadly rounded apex; moderately long ventral spur of segment III nearly twice as long as broad, with narrowly rounded apex, directed posteromedially. Hypostome (Fig. 14 C) short, broadly rounded at apex; dental formula 5 / 5 throughout hypostomal length (rarely partially 4 / 4, 4 / 5, 5 / 6 or 6 / 6), with approximately 10 denticles in file. Legs moderately long, slender. Coxae (Fig. 14 F): coxa I with moderately long and narrow internal spur with broadly rounded apex, directed posteriorly or slightly posterolaterally; coxae II and III each with moderately long and moderately broad, subequal spur with broadly rounded apex, directed slightly posterolaterally; coxa IV with moderately long, broad spur, with broadly rounded apex, directed slightly posterolaterally, subequal to spur on coxa I and slightly longer than spur on coxae II and III. Trochanter I (Fig. 14 G) with long dorsal spur, with pointed apex; ventral spur on trochanters I – IV (Fig. 14 F) indistinct, as very short, broad projection. Nymph [Based on 50 specimens; Figs. 15, 16.] Idiosoma (Fig. 15 A, C) of slightly fed specimen broadly suboval, widest posterior to mid-length. Scutum (Fig. 15 A, B) length 0.48 – 0.61 (0.54 ± 0.02; n = 44), width 0.52 – 0.62 (0.56 ± 0.02; n = 44), ratio 0.90 – 1.03 (0.97 ± 0.03; n = 44); lateral margins diverging for anterior third of scutal length, then converging to broadly rounded and slightly angular posterior margin; posterolateral margins convex; cervical grooves moderately deep and narrow for anterior third of scutal length and then indistinct; very sparse small punctations; setae (Fig. 15 A, B) sparse, very short; length of middle central c. 0.006, shorter than those on alloscutum, distributed as figured. Alloscutum (Fig. 15 A) as illustrated; setae (Fig. 15 A) sparse, very short, length of setae in center of alloscutum c. 0.01 and length of setae in anterolateral area of alloscutum c. 0.015. Anal groove (Fig. 15 C) semioval with open anterior margin; ventral setae (Fig. 15 C) moderately sparse, distributed as figured. Spiracular plates (Fig. 16 A) length 0.12 – 0.17 (0.14 ± 0.01; n = 42), width 0.15 – 0.21 (0.18 ± 0.01; n = 42), ratio 0.68 – 0.85 (0.77 ± 0.03; n = 42), moderately broadly suboval. Gnathosoma (Fig. 16 B – D) length from palpal apices to posterior margin of basis capituli dorsally 0.26 – 0.31 (0.27 ± 0.01; n = 44), width at lateral projection of palpal segments II 0.28 – 0.33 (0.30 ± 0.01; n = 44), ratio 0.79 – 1.03 (0.91 ± 0.04; n = 44). Dorsal basis capituli (Fig. 16 B) subhexagonal, lateral projections tapering to narrowly rounded to sharply pointed apex; apex of lateral projections slightly posterior to basis capituli mid-length; posterior margin slightly convex. Ventral basis capituli (Fig. 16 C, D) rectangular; auriculae as short and broad posterolateral projections. Palpi (Fig. 16 B – E) short, length dorsally (segments II and III) 0.16 – 0.19 (0.17 ± 0.01; n = 44), width 0.12 – 0.16 (0.13 ± 0.01; n = 44), ratio 1.16 – 1.43 (1.26 ± 0.06; n = 44); moderately salient, ratio combined palpal width to basis capituli width 0.97 – 1.22 (1.07 ± 0.05; n = 44); segment I narrow, indistinct; posterodorsal and posteroventral spurs on segment II lacking; posterolateral margin of segment II moderately steeply convergent posteromedially; 4 or 5 broad and densely denticulated ventromedian setae on palpal segment II; segment III dorsally subtriangular with narrowly rounded apex; moderately long ventral spur of segment III slightly longer than broad, triangular, with narrowly rounded apex; segments II and III separated by poorly distinct suture between them. Hypostome (Fig. 16 C) length 0.14 (n = 1), width 0.07 (n = 1), ratio 2.15 (n = 1); broadly rounded at apex; dental formula 2 / 2 throughout hypostomal length with approximately 7 or 8 larger denticles in files. Coxae (Fig. 16 F): coxa I with moderately long, narrow, narrowly to broadly rounded at apex internal spur; coxae II – IV with subequal, moderately long, moderately broad, narrowly to broadly rounded at apex internal spur; external spur on coxae I – IV lacking. Trochanter I (Fig. 16 G) with long dorsal spur, with pointed apex; trochanters I – IV (Fig. 16 F) without ventral spur. Larva [Based on 178 specimens; Figs. 17, 18.] Idiosoma (Fig. 17 A, C) length 480 – 520 (508 ± 11; n = 12), width 430 – 480 (457 ± 15; n = 12), ratio 1.06 – 1.17 (1.11 ± 0.03; n = 12); broadly suboval, widest slightly posterior to mid-length. Scutum (Fig. 17 A, B) length from scapular apices to posterior margin 230 – 250 (241 ± 6; n = 22), maximal width 300 – 345 (328 ± 13; n = 21), ratio 0.71 – 0.77 (0.73 ± 0.02; n = 21); pentagonal, posterior margin broadly rounded, posterolateral marginal depressions indistinct; cervical grooves moderately deep in anterior half of scutal length and then as faint, shallow depressions. Setae 3 pairs, Sc 2 9 – 14 (12 ± 1; n = 11), Sc 3 6 – 10 (8 ± 1; n = 11). Dorsal setae of alloscutum 10 pairs; 2 pairs of central dorsals, Cd 1 9 – 13 (11 ± 1; n = 12), Cd 2 12 – 16 (14 ± 1; n = 13); 8 pairs of marginal dorsals, Md 1 12 – 16 (14 ± 1; n = 11), Md 8 14 – 21 (17 ± 2; n = 13). Ventral setae 13 pairs plus 1 pair on anal valves; 3 pairs of sternals, St 1 14 – 21 (18 ± 2; n = 12); 2 pairs of preanals, Pa 1 13 – 17 (15 ± 1; n = 10), Pa 2 13 – 18 (16 ± 1; n = 11); 4 pairs of premarginals, Pm 1 13 – 17 (15 ± 1; n = 7); 4 pairs of marginal ventrals, Mv 1 17 – 23 (20 ± 2; n = 12), Mv 4 17 – 24 (20 ± 2; n = 14). Gnathosoma (Fig. 18 A – C) length from palpal apices to posterior margin of basis capituli dorsally 114 – 153 (137 ± 9; n = 23), width of gnathosoma between lateral projection of palpal segments II dorsally 160 – 193 (182 ± 8; n = 23), ratio 0.66 – 0.83 (0.75 ± 0.04; n = 23). Basis capituli width dorsally 143 – 166 (154 ± 7; n = 23), dorsally subhexagonal; apex of lateral projections nearly at mid-length of basis capituli; posterior margin slightly concave to nearly straight; ventrally rectangular; short, broadly rounded auriculae ventrally; 1 pair of posthypostomal setae. Palpi (Fig. 18 A – C) short, length 93 – 113 (105 ± 5; n = 23), width 50 – 60 (56 ± 2; n = 23), ratio 1.78 – 2.09 (1.88 ± 0.07; n = 23); slightly salient, ratio combined palpal width to basis capituli width dorsally 1.04 – 1.31 (1.18 ± 0.06; n = 23); segment I indistinct; suture between palpal segments II and III indistinct; posterodorsal and posteroventral spurs on palpal segment II lacking; lateral projection of palpal segment II short directed slightly anterolaterally; palpal segment III narrowly rounded at anterior apex; posteroventral spur of palpal segment III moderately long, usually slightly longer than broad, triangular, with narrowly rounded apex; segment I without setae, segments II and III combined with 9 dorsal and 3 ventral setae. Hypostome (Fig. 18 B) length from apex to level of posthypostomal setae 70 – 84 (77 ± 4; n = 22), width 35 – 40 (38 ± 1; n = 23), ratio 1.87 – 2.13 (2.00 ± 0.07; n = 22); blunt at apex; dental formula 2 / 2; denticles in files of 6 or 7; denticulated portion distinctly longer than half of hypostomal length. Coxae (Fig. 17 D): spur of coxa I moderate, broadly rounded; spur of coxa II very broadly rounded; spur on coxa III short, poorly distinct, ridge-like. Genu I length 108 – 128 (120 ± 5; n = 23). Tarsus I length 168 – 195 (185 ± 6; n = 22); tarsus III length 143 – 160 (152 ± 5; n = 23).	en	Apanaskevich, Dmitry A. (2025): Description of a new species of Haemaphysalis Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae), an ornate parasite of birds in Florida, South Carolina and Texas (USA), and redescription of all parasitic stages of H. chordeilis (Packard, 1869). Zootaxa 5691 (1): 45-74, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.1.2
03D63D52FFE5FFA3C6BAFBE3FAB5F8A5.taxon	discussion	Remarks It is hard or impossible to judge if true H. chordeilis or H. vasilisae sp. nov. or a mix of both species was used in the majority of works where H. chordeilis is redescribed. Based on provided illustrations, descriptions and geographic localities the true H. chordeilis was, definitely, and at least partially, used in the redescriptions of Banks (1908), Hooker et al. (1912), Nuttall & Warburton (1915), Cooley (1946), Gregson (1956), Furman & Loomis (1984). It is impossible to judge what exact species was used in works of Sonenshine (1979), Keirans & Litwak (1989), Lindquist et al. (2016), Egizi et al. (2019) and Apanaskevich (2024). By having a moderately long ventral spur on palpal segment III and 4 / 4 – 6 / 6 hypostomal dentition in both the male and female, and hexagonal basis capituli dorsally in the nymph and larva, H. chordeilis most closely resembles only those of H. vasilisae sp. nov. in the Americas. The diagnostic characters allowing confident discrimination of these two species on male, female, nymph and larva are presented under the Remarks section for H. vasilisae sp. nov. Collection data for H. chordeilis are listed in the materials above. This species was collected in Canada (Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario Provinces) and the USA (California, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming States) (Fig. 10). The vast majority of studied adults, nymphs and larvae were found on galliform birds. Most of studied males and females were collected on the ruffed grouse, B. umbellus, greater sage-grouse, C. urophasianus, dusky grouse, D. obscurus, spruce grouse, F. canadensis, wild turkey, M. gallopavo, greater prairie-chicken, T. cupido, sharp-tailed grouse, T. phasianellus, prairie-chicken, Tympanuchus sp. and unspecified grouse. Singular adults came from the white-crowned sparrow, Z. leucophrys, common nighthawk, C. minor, unspecified rabbit, domestic horse and domestic cattle. Both nymphs and larvae were collected on the greater sage-grouse, C. urophasianus and unspecified pocket gopher; nymphs were also taken from the spruce grouse, F. canadensis, wild turkey, M. gallopavo and white-crowned sparrow, Z. leucophrys, whereas larvae were collected on dusky grouse, D. obscurus and unspecified grouse. A male was collected crawling on human. Males and females were collected during January and April – September; nymphs were found during June – September, whereas larvae were collected during August and September. The further discussion of distribution and host is based on data presented by Egizi & Maestas (2022) who provided an extensive literature analysis on geographic distribution and host-parasite associations of H. chordeilis. Removing records from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Texas that apparently should refer to H. vasilisae sp. nov., we can add presence of apparently true H. chordeilis in British Columbia, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan Provinces of Canada and Maine, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Dakota of the United States. We also can add the following host of apparently true H. chordeilis: adults were recorded from the American goshawk, Accipiter atricapillus (Wilson), red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis (Gmelin) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae), wood duck, Aix sponsa (Linnaeus) (Anseriformes: Anatidae), common raven, Corvus corax Linnaeus (Passeriformes: Corvidae) and yellow-bellied marmot, Marmota flaviventris (Audubon & Bachman) (Rodentia: Sciuridae); an adult and larvae were found on the red squirrel, Tamiasciurus hudsonicus (Erxleben) (Rodentia: Sciuridae); nymphs were collected on the chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina (Bechstein) and golden-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia atricapilla (Gmelin) (Passeriformes: Passerellidae); a larva was recorded from the yellowheaded blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Bonaparte) (Passeriformes: Icteridae); and unspecified stages on unspecified hawk (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) and unspecified hen (Galliformes: Phasianidae). We exclude records of a female of H. chordeilis from the Lincoln’s sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii (Audubon) (Passeriformes: Passerellidae) in Arizona (USA), a larva from the Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus (Latham) (Passeriformes: Troglodytidae) in Missouri (USA), unspecified stages from the Wilson’s plover, Charadrius wilsonia Ord (Charadriiformes: Charadriidae) in the US Virgin Islands and unspecified stages from the domestic chicken, Gallus gallus (Linnaeus) (Galliformes: Phasianidae) in Sinaloa (Mexico) because those records lay away from the main distribution of H. chordeilis and might represent those of H. vasilisae sp. nov. For the same reason we also exclude record of larvae from the Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus (Latham) (Passeriformes: Troglodytidae) in Mid-Atlantic USA (District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia). Records from A. maritima, A. phoeniceus, A. savannarum, C. virginianus, P. erythrophthalmus, S. magna and T. rufum in Florida, P. sandwichensis in South Carolina and C. virginianus, S. magna and Sturnella sp. in Texas should be referred to H. vasilisae sp. nov. The host list for H. chordeilis presented in Bishopp & Trembley (1945), that includes an adult from domestic sheep and a larva from T. ludovicianus among the others, should be rejected since they did not specify the geographic origin of their records and almost definitely many of the hosts listed by them can be those of H. vasilisae sp. nov.	en	Apanaskevich, Dmitry A. (2025): Description of a new species of Haemaphysalis Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae), an ornate parasite of birds in Florida, South Carolina and Texas (USA), and redescription of all parasitic stages of H. chordeilis (Packard, 1869). Zootaxa 5691 (1): 45-74, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5691.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.1.2
