Wiadomoœci Parazytologiczne 2007, 53(4), 343–345 Copyright© 2007 Polskie Towarzystwo Parazytologiczne The new locality of Ixodes apronophorus Schulze, 1924 in Biebrza National Park, Poland Grzegorz Karbowiak 1 , Monika Wieczorek 2 , Zbigniew Borowski 2 and Irena Wita 1 1 W. Stefański Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda St. 51/55, 00−818 Warsaw, Poland 2 Forest Research Institute, Braci Leśnej s. 3, Sękocin Stary, 05−090 Raszyn, Poland Corresponding author: Grzegorz Karbowiak; E−mail: grzgrz@twarda.pan.pl ABSTRACT. The new locality of Ixodes apronophorus Schulze, 1924 in Biebrza National Park, Poland is recorded. The study was conducted in open wet−meadow habitat (Caricetum appropinquatae), in April 2007. The small mammals were caught in live−traps placed at permanent trap stations. The ectoparasites were collected from the fur using comb− ing out method. The adult female, nymphs and larva of Ixodes apronophorus were found, feeding on the common shrew Sorex araneus. Key words: Biebrza National Park, Ixodes apronophorus, Sorex araneus. Introduction Ixodes apronophorus Schulze, 1924, occur in the Northern Part of the temperature forest zone. The known range of this tick includes regions such as the south of Great Britain and through the Middle European countries to Western Siberia [1]. There are five localities in Poland recorded: Gdańsk Province [2], Iława [3], Popielno in Mazurian District [4], Tomaszów District (east−southern Poland) [5], Białowieża Primeval Forest [1]. This tick is considered to be a rare species. Ixodes apronophorus inhabits wet biotopes, as swamps, marshland and boggy meadows [1]. Thus, their hosts are the mammals connected with the wet habitats — root vole Microtus oeconomus, muskrat Ondatra zibethicus and water vole Arvicola terrestris. Moreover, it is able to parasite on other Microtidae rodents and shrews [1]. Rarely it attacks birds and reptiles [6, 7]. The ability of this tick to feed on humans is not clear. Some authors report the cases of feeding females and nymphs on humans [8], however others exclude such possibility [9]. All active developmental stages are able to feed on small mammals [9]. The seasonal dynamic activity of I. apronophorus is not well known. These ticks are active for the whole season, however, the number peak occurs in the spring months [1]. Material and methods The study of the infestation of the small mam− mals with ectoparasites was conducted in April 2007, near Gugny village, Biebrza National Park (ca. 53°N, 23°E). The trapping area was part of the typical open wet−meadow Caricetum appropinquatae Matuszkiewicz 1982 habitat [10] (Fig.1), spread out over a 1000 ha area. The major plant species in this association is the fibrous tussock sedge Carex appropinquata, which covers 85% of the area and forms the typ− ical hummock−hollow structure. Two common shrews Sorex araneus and single root vole Microtus oeconomus were caught. The ectopara− sites were collected by a combing method.