Amblyomma variegatum (Fabricius, 1794) (CABI)
Tropical bont tick
Sub-Saharan Africa (CFSPH 2009)
Not introduced
Introduced to the Caribbean in 1800s from infected cattle from Africa. Could be introduced to Florida from the Caribbean by migratory birds. (Barré et al. 1995)
Spreads fatal livestock and wildlife diseases. It infests cattle, sheep and goats, reducing meat and milk production on the islands. (CFSPH 2009)
Not currently established
Tropical bont tick, adult male
Photo by Alan Walker; University of Edinburgh
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Selected Resources
The section below contains highly relevant resources for this species, organized by source.
Barré N., G. Garris, and E. Camus. 1995. Propagation of the tick Amblyomma variegatum in the Caribbean. Review of Science and Technology 14(3):841-55.
CABI. Invasive Species Compendium. Amblyomma variegatum. CAB International. [Accessed Sep 26, 2023].
Center for Food Security and Public Health. 2009. Amblyomma variegatum: Tropical Bont Tick, Tropical African Bont Tick [PDF, 138 KB]. Iowa State University.