taxonID	type	description	language	source
038C87E7FF80FFE472AEF994FB6FBA2E.taxon	etymology	Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin ‘ vesper’ in reference to the evening or the evening star and, by extension, to the West. This species is described from the western coast of North America. Type-locality: USA: California, San Mateo County, Costanoa (coordinates: 37.154342, - 122.341978). Collected from vegetation. Known hosts for all stages are Lepus californicus Gray, 1837 and Sylvilagus sp. Gray, 1867; avian hosts such as Melanerpes sp. Swainson, 1832 and Toxostoma sp. Wagler, 1831 have been found infested with immatures.	en	Egizi, Andrea, Nava, Santiago, Nakano, Angie, Saunders, Megan E. M., Maestas, Lauren P., Angelus, Autumn D., Noden, Bruce, Nadolny, Robyn M., Bajwa, Waheed I., Lubelcyzk, Charles, Bhosale, Chanakya R., Paskewitz, Susan, Gaff, Holly D., Beati, Lorenza (2025): Description of all stages of a new tick species from California, Haemaphysalis vespertina (Acari: Ixodidae), with redescription of H. leporispalustris Packard, 1869 adults and phylogenetic relationships among related U. S. taxa. Zootaxa 5719 (1): 49-72, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2
038C87E7FF80FFE472AEF994FB6FBA2E.taxon	description	Female — Figs. 3 A – 3 I	en	Egizi, Andrea, Nava, Santiago, Nakano, Angie, Saunders, Megan E. M., Maestas, Lauren P., Angelus, Autumn D., Noden, Bruce, Nadolny, Robyn M., Bajwa, Waheed I., Lubelcyzk, Charles, Bhosale, Chanakya R., Paskewitz, Susan, Gaff, Holly D., Beati, Lorenza (2025): Description of all stages of a new tick species from California, Haemaphysalis vespertina (Acari: Ixodidae), with redescription of H. leporispalustris Packard, 1869 adults and phylogenetic relationships among related U. S. taxa. Zootaxa 5719 (1): 49-72, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2
038C87E7FF80FFE472AEF994FB6FBA2E.taxon	materials_examined	HOLOTYPE: USNMENT 1785003 (USA, California, San Mateo County, Costanoa, 37.154342, - 122.341978, 9 VII 2024; from vegetation, coll. Tara Roth and Arielle Crews). PARATYPES: USNMENT 1510975, 5 females (USA, California, San Mateo County, Costanoa, 37.154342, - 122.341978, 9 VII 2024; from vegetation, coll. Tara Roth and Arielle Crews); USNEMNT 1510966, 1 female (USA, California, San Mateo County, Costanoa, 37.154342, - 122.341978, 15 VI 2021; from vegetation, coll. Angie Nakano). Other material examined: USNEMNT 1510970, 22 females (USA, California, Mendocino County, Hopland, 38.9729541, - 123,1163918, 15 VI 1965, ex. L. californicus); USNMENT 1510977, 7 females (USA, California, Mendocino County, Hopland, 38.9729541, - 123.1163918); USNMENT 1510986, 1 female (USA, California, San Benito County, 22 III 1932, ex. L. californicus); USNMENT 1510974, 6 females (USA, California); USNMENT 1510976, 1 female (USA, Oregon, Harney County, Burns, 43.588333, - 119.061389, ex. Sylvilagus sp.). Body (Fig. 3 A) of unfed specimens dorsally suboval, longer (1.30 – 1.49; 1.36 ± 0.06) than wide (0.86 – 0.95; 0.93 ± 0.03); with lateral edges slightly concave at level of coxa II, widest posterior to mid-length. Scutum oval, (Fig. 3 A, Fig. 3 G) longer (0.79 – 0.84; 0.82 ± 0.02) than wide (0.62 – 0.68; 0.64 ± 0.02), with posterior margin rounded; cervical grooves very deep and broad, converging posteriorly to almost mid-length of scutum, broadening posteriorly into shagreened triangular shallower area (Fig. 3 G); scapulae round, with scattered fine punctations, bearing short, fine setae (0.017 – 0.027; 0.024 ± 0.003), lateral fields and posterior border with few punctations and glabrous; median field with homogeneously distributed, dense, larger, shallow punctations, all bearing fine setae (0.014 – 0.025; 0.018 ± 0.003), central punctations sometimes confluent producing rugose effect (Fig. 3 G). Alloscutum (Fig. 3 A) with deep, uniformly distributed, very small punctations, all bearing short setae, slightly shorter (0.011 – 0.022; 0.015 ± 0.003) than scutal setae; marginal groove complete, lining 11 festoons, reaching scutum at level of coxa II; festoons and marginal fold with numerous deep, small, punctations bearing setae. Venter: genital aperture at level of coxae II – III (Fig. 3 E, Fig. 3 H), U-shaped, with almost parallel lateral margins, lined by very narrow sclerotized flaps; anal groove posterior to anus joining genital groove anterolaterally (Fig. 3 C); in unfed specimens, bean-shaped areas posterolateral to anus, delimited by posteromedian groove, festoons, posterior part of genital groove, and anal groove; ventral grooves more distinct in unfed specimens; punctations dense, fine, deep, uniformly distributed, bearing fine setae (0.011 – 0.022; 0.016 ± 0.003); spiracular plates almost round with inconspicuous, blunt, dorsal projection, with 2 – 4 lines of goblet cells, larger in center, slightly smaller along periphery (Fig. 3 F). Capitulum (Figs. 3 B, Fig. 3 D). Dorsal (Fig. 3 B): length from palpal apices to tip of cornuae (0.35 – 0.41; 0.39 ± 0.02); basis capituli broader (0.31 – 0.35; 0.34 ± 0.01) than long (0.18 – 0.19; 0.19 ± 0.004), subrectangular, with convex, rounded, lateral edges, posterior margin straight, cornuae wider at insertion than long, rounded; porose areas as narrow flattened ovals (0.050 – 0.063; 0.055 ± 0.004 long and 0.020 – 0.035; 0.029 ± 0.04 wide), placed in deep depressions of basis capituli, diverging posteriorly; ventrally (Fig. 3 D) basis capituli subrectangular, with lateral edges slightly diverging anteriorly, with short, triangular, rounded, posteriorly directed processes, wider at insertion than long. Palps dorsal (Fig. 3 B): palpal segment I inconspicuous; palpal segment II length (0.16 – 0.17; 0.16 ± 0.02), palpal segment II width at level of lateral projection (0.13 – 0.15; 0.14 ± 0.01), distance between apices of lateral projections (0.48 – 0.54; 0.50 ± 0.02), internal edge of palpal segment II almost straight, with 6 flattened, barbed setae; palpal segment III approximately as long (0.09 – 0.10; 0.10 ± 0.01) as wide (0.10 – 0.10; 0.10 ± 0.01); lateral length of palpal segments II and III measured from apex of palpal segment III to tip of angle with lateral projection (0.24 – 0.26; 0.25 ± 0.001). Palps ventral (Fig. 3 D): palpal segment I inconspicuous, palpal segment II with no spurs, with approx. 11 – 12 lanceolate, barbed, flattened median setae, palpal segment III with rounded ventral spur; hypostome clavate, with homogeneous 3: 3 dental formula except at crown, approx. 6 – 7 denticles per file. Legs. Coxa I (Fig. 3 E) with short, rounded internal spur, wider than long, external spur as triangular ridge, shorter than internal spur, concealed by tuft of long fine, setae; coxa II, III, and IV with single, rounded, triangular spurs, as long as wide at insertion, directed posterolaterally and inserted at mid-width in coxa II and III, directed posteriorly and inserted more medially in coxa IV. Trochanter I with ventral rounded spur; coxae and legs with numerous, very long, fine setae. Haller’s organ as in Fig. 3 I.	en	Egizi, Andrea, Nava, Santiago, Nakano, Angie, Saunders, Megan E. M., Maestas, Lauren P., Angelus, Autumn D., Noden, Bruce, Nadolny, Robyn M., Bajwa, Waheed I., Lubelcyzk, Charles, Bhosale, Chanakya R., Paskewitz, Susan, Gaff, Holly D., Beati, Lorenza (2025): Description of all stages of a new tick species from California, Haemaphysalis vespertina (Acari: Ixodidae), with redescription of H. leporispalustris Packard, 1869 adults and phylogenetic relationships among related U. S. taxa. Zootaxa 5719 (1): 49-72, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2
038C87E7FF80FFE472AEF994FB6FBA2E.taxon	description	Male — Figs. 4 A – 4 H	en	Egizi, Andrea, Nava, Santiago, Nakano, Angie, Saunders, Megan E. M., Maestas, Lauren P., Angelus, Autumn D., Noden, Bruce, Nadolny, Robyn M., Bajwa, Waheed I., Lubelcyzk, Charles, Bhosale, Chanakya R., Paskewitz, Susan, Gaff, Holly D., Beati, Lorenza (2025): Description of all stages of a new tick species from California, Haemaphysalis vespertina (Acari: Ixodidae), with redescription of H. leporispalustris Packard, 1869 adults and phylogenetic relationships among related U. S. taxa. Zootaxa 5719 (1): 49-72, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2
038C87E7FF80FFE472AEF994FB6FBA2E.taxon	materials_examined	ALLOTYPE: USNMENT 1785004 (USA, California, San Mateo County, Costanoa, 37.154342, - 122.341978, 9 VII 2024; from vegetation, coll. Tara Roth and Arielle Crews). PARATYPES: USNMENT 1510975, 4 males (USA, California, San Mateo County, Costanoa, 37.154342, - 122.341978, 9 VII 2024; from vegetation, coll. Tara Roth and Arielle Crews); USNEMNT 1510966, 2 males (USA, California, San Mateo County, Costanoa, 37.154342, - 122.341978, 15 VI 2021; from vegetation, coll. Angie Nakano). Other material examined: USNEMNT 1510970, 12 males females (USA, California, Mendocino County, Hopland, 38.9729541, - 123,1163918, 15 VI 1965, ex. L. californicus); USNMENT 1510977, 12 males (USA, California, Mendocino County, Hopland, 38.9729541, - 123,1163918); USNMENT 1510986, 2 males (USA, California, San Benito County, 22 III 1932, ex. L. californicus); USNMENT 1785016; 23 males (USA, California, Bernardino County, 5 IX 1936, ex. L. californicus); USNMENT 1510976, 4 males (USA, Oregon, Harney County, Burns, 43.588333, - 119.061389, ex. Sylvilagus sp.). Body: conscutum (Fig. 4 A) distinctly oval, longer (1.16 – 1.30; 1.21 ± 0.04) than wide (0.72 – 0.90; 0.80 ± 0.04); with lateral edges slightly convex, widest posterior to mid-length; cervical grooves very deep, short, almost parallel, reaching level of coxa II; scapulae round with scattered fine punctations, bearing short, fine setae as in female; marginal grooves starting anteriorly at approx. mid length of scutum, deep, reaching and lining first festoon, fragmented along other 9 festoons; festoons with scattered punctations and inconspicuous short, fine setae; median field with homogeneously distributed, dense, large, shallow punctations, all bearing short fine setae (0.012 – 0.019; 0.015 ± 0.002), central punctations sometimes confluent producing distinct rugose effect; lateral fold anterior to festoons with single, lateral, almost linear line of punctations reaching level of coxa II. Venter (Figs. 4 D – F): genital aperture at level of coxa II, covered by oval apron as in Fig. 4 E; anal groove posterior to anus joining anterolaterally genital groove, bean-shaped areas, posterolateral to anus, delimited by posteromedian groove, festoons, posterior part of genital groove, and anal groove (Fig. 4 D); punctations dense, fine, deep, uniformly distributed, bearing fine setae (0.014 – 0.028; 0.020 ± 0.007); spiracular plates almost round with blunt, dorsal projection, with 2 – 4 lines of goblet cells, larger in center, slightly smaller along periphery (Fig. 4 H). Capitulum (Figs. 4 B – C). Dorsal (Fig. 4 B): length from palpal apices to tip of cornuae (0.25 – 0.29; 0.27 ± 0.01); basis capituli broader (0.19 – 0.22; 0.21 ± 0.01) than long (0.10 – 0.12; 0.11 ± 0.01), subrectangular, with convex, rounded, lateral edges, posterior margin straight, cornuae triangular, wider at insertion than long, rounded; ventrally basis capituli subrectangular, with lateral edges slightly diverging anteriorly, with short rounded, posteriorly directed processes, twice as wide at insertion as long (Fig. 4 C). Palps dorsal (Fig. 4 B): palpal segment I inconspicuous; palpal segment II length (0.09 – 0.10; 0.10 ± 0.001), width at level of lateral projection (0.11 – 0.12; 0.12 ± 0.001), distance between apices of lateral projections (0.33 – 0.35; 0.34 ± 0.01); lateral length of palpal segments II and III measured from apex of palpal segment III to tip of angle with lateral projection (0.15 – 0.16; 0.15 ± 0.004); internal margin concave ending anteriorly with inconspicuous medially directed lobe, with 4 flattened, barbed setae; palpal segment III approximately as long (0.07 – 0.08; 0.07 ± 0.002) as wide (0.08 – 0.09; 0.08 ± 0.002). Palps ventral (Fig. 4 C): palpal segment I inconspicuous, palpal segment II with no spurs, with approx. 9 lanceolate, barbed, flattened median setae; palpal segment III with rounded ventral spur. Hypostome clavate, with homogeneous 3: 3 dental formula excepted crown, approx. 6 – 7 denticles per file. Legs. Coxa I with short, rounded internal spur, wider than long, external spur as rounded ridge, shorter than internal spur, concealed by tuft of long, fine setae; coxa II, III, and IV with single, triangular spurs, approx. as long as wide at insertion level, directed posterolaterally (Fig. 4 F). Trochanter I with ventral rounded ridge-like spur; coxae and legs with very numerous, long, and fine setae (Fig. 4 F). Haller’s organ as in Fig. 4 G.	en	Egizi, Andrea, Nava, Santiago, Nakano, Angie, Saunders, Megan E. M., Maestas, Lauren P., Angelus, Autumn D., Noden, Bruce, Nadolny, Robyn M., Bajwa, Waheed I., Lubelcyzk, Charles, Bhosale, Chanakya R., Paskewitz, Susan, Gaff, Holly D., Beati, Lorenza (2025): Description of all stages of a new tick species from California, Haemaphysalis vespertina (Acari: Ixodidae), with redescription of H. leporispalustris Packard, 1869 adults and phylogenetic relationships among related U. S. taxa. Zootaxa 5719 (1): 49-72, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2
038C87E7FF80FFE472AEF994FB6FBA2E.taxon	description	Nymph — Figs. 5 A – 5 I	en	Egizi, Andrea, Nava, Santiago, Nakano, Angie, Saunders, Megan E. M., Maestas, Lauren P., Angelus, Autumn D., Noden, Bruce, Nadolny, Robyn M., Bajwa, Waheed I., Lubelcyzk, Charles, Bhosale, Chanakya R., Paskewitz, Susan, Gaff, Holly D., Beati, Lorenza (2025): Description of all stages of a new tick species from California, Haemaphysalis vespertina (Acari: Ixodidae), with redescription of H. leporispalustris Packard, 1869 adults and phylogenetic relationships among related U. S. taxa. Zootaxa 5719 (1): 49-72, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2
038C87E7FF80FFE472AEF994FB6FBA2E.taxon	materials_examined	PARATYPES: USNMENT 1510966, 13 nymphs (USA, California, San Mateo County, Costanoa, 37.154342, - 122.341978, 15 VI 2021; from vegetation, coll. Angie Nakano); USNMENT 1510980, 4 nymphs (USA, California, San Mateo County, Costanoa, 37.154342, - 122.341978, 15 VI 2021; from vegetation, coll. Angie Nakano). Other material examined: USNMENT 1510970, 3 nymphs (USA, California, Mendocino County, Hopland, 38.9729541, - 123,1163918, 15 VI 1965, ex. L. californicus); USNMENT 1785016; 5 nymphs (USA, California, Bernardino County, 5 IX 1936, ex. L. californicus); USNMENT 1510976, 5 nymphs (USA, Oregon, Harney County, Burns, 43.588333, - 119.061389, ex. Sylvilagus sp.). Body: Outline overall oval, length from palpal apices to posterior margin (0.08 – 0.09; 0.08 ± 0.02); width (0.06 – 0.07; 0.07 ± 0.01), with lateral edges slightly concave at level of coxa III, widest at level of coxa IV. Scutum (Figs. 5 C – D) oval, longer (0.45 – 0.47; 0.46 ± 0.01) than wide (0.43 – 0.46; 0.45 ± 0.01), with posterior margin rounded; cervical grooves very deep, broad, almost parallel anteriorly, broadening posteriorly into triangular shallower area and reaching edge of scutum; scattered, unevenly distributed punctations bearing fine, short setae (0.007 – 0.020; 0.013 ± 0.003). Alloscutum (Fig. 5 E) with posteromedian and curved, posterolateral grooves outlined by very fine, deep, glabrous, dense punctations; other areas of idiosoma with sparse, scattered, medium-sized punctations bearing setae (0.009 – 0.019; 0.013 ± 0.002); 11 festoons, with medially directed 1 or 2 setae each (not on central festoon); marginal groove lining all festoons and reaching scutum at level of coxae III. Venter (Figs. 5 F – G): anal groove posterior to anus, median postanal groove reaching festoons, joining anterolaterally hint of future genital grooves that extend posteriorly to festoon level (Fig. 5 F); scattered, sparse, small punctations bearing fine setae (0.020 – 0.038; 0.026 ± 0.004); spiracular plates sub-oval with 1 – 3 lines of goblet cells, larger in center, smaller in peripheral line (Fig. 5 H). Capitulum (Figs. 5 A – 5 B). Dorsal: length from palpal apices to tip of cornuae 0.25; 0.24 ± 0.01); basis capituli broader (0.18 – 0.18; 0.18 ± 0.001) than long (0.09 – 0.1; 0.09 ± 0.002), subrectangular, with convex, rounded, lateral edges, posterior margin convex, cornuae wider at insertion than long, triangular, and pointed (Fig. 5 B); ventral basis capituli subrectangular with lateral edges diverging anteriorly, with distinct, rounded, posterolaterally directed processes (Fig. 5 A). Palps dorsal (Fig. 5 B): palpal segment I inconspicuous; palpal segment II length (0.08 – 0.09; 0.08 ± 0.003), palpal segment II width at level of lateral projection (0.09 – 0.10; 0.10 ± 0.003), distance between apices of lateral projections (0.28 – 0.30; 0.29 ± 0.006), internal edge of palpal segment II almost straight, with 2 flattened, barbed setae; palpal segment III approximately as long (0.06 – 0.07; 0.07 ± 0.003) as wide (0.06 – 0.07; 0.06 ± 0.003); lateral length of palpal segments II and III measured from apex of palpal segment III to tip of angle with lateral projection (0.12 – 0.13; 0.13 ± 0.003). Palps ventral (Fig. 5 A): palpal segment I inconspicuous, palpal segment II with no spurs, with 5 lanceolate, barbed, flattened median setae, palpal segment III with rounded ventral spur. Hypostome clavate, with homogeneous 2: 2 dental formula excepted crown, approx. 7 denticles per file. Legs. Coxa I (Fig. 5 G) with rounded internal spur, as wide as long, external spur as inconspicuous ridge, concealed by long, fine seta; coxa II, III, and IV with single, rounded, triangular spurs, directed posterolaterally and inserted at mid-width in coxa II and III, directed posteriorly in coxa IV. Trochanter I with ventral triangular spur; coxae and legs with numerous, 2 – 3 very long, fine setae. Haller’s organ as in Fig. 5 I.	en	Egizi, Andrea, Nava, Santiago, Nakano, Angie, Saunders, Megan E. M., Maestas, Lauren P., Angelus, Autumn D., Noden, Bruce, Nadolny, Robyn M., Bajwa, Waheed I., Lubelcyzk, Charles, Bhosale, Chanakya R., Paskewitz, Susan, Gaff, Holly D., Beati, Lorenza (2025): Description of all stages of a new tick species from California, Haemaphysalis vespertina (Acari: Ixodidae), with redescription of H. leporispalustris Packard, 1869 adults and phylogenetic relationships among related U. S. taxa. Zootaxa 5719 (1): 49-72, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2
038C87E7FF80FFE472AEF994FB6FBA2E.taxon	description	Larva — Figs. 6 A – 6 G	en	Egizi, Andrea, Nava, Santiago, Nakano, Angie, Saunders, Megan E. M., Maestas, Lauren P., Angelus, Autumn D., Noden, Bruce, Nadolny, Robyn M., Bajwa, Waheed I., Lubelcyzk, Charles, Bhosale, Chanakya R., Paskewitz, Susan, Gaff, Holly D., Beati, Lorenza (2025): Description of all stages of a new tick species from California, Haemaphysalis vespertina (Acari: Ixodidae), with redescription of H. leporispalustris Packard, 1869 adults and phylogenetic relationships among related U. S. taxa. Zootaxa 5719 (1): 49-72, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2
038C87E7FF80FFE472AEF994FB6FBA2E.taxon	materials_examined	PARATYPES: USNMENT 1510966, 2 larvae (USA, California, San Mateo County, Costanoa, 37.154342, - 122.341978, 15 VI 2021; from vegetation, coll. Angie Nakano); USNMENT 1510991, 1 larva (USA, California, San Mateo County, Costanoa, 37.154342, - 122.341978, 15 VI 2021; from vegetation, coll. Angie Nakano). Other material examined: USNMENT 1510964, 1 larva (USA, California, Los Angeles County, 13 XI 1987, ex. Toxostoma redivivum, sent by K. C. Emerson); USNMENT 1510958, 5 larvae (USA, California, San Diego County, Imperial Beach, 21 XII 1968, ex. Toxostoma bendirei); USNMENT 1510962, 8 larvae (USA, California, Sonoma County, Jack London State Historic Park, 38.350556, - 122.543056, 24 IX 2021, ex. vegetation, coll. Megan Saunders); USNMENT 1510970, 50 larvae (USA, California, Mendocino County, Hopland, 38.9729541, - 123,1163918, 15 VI 1965, ex. Lepus californicus); USNMENT 1785017, 1 larva (USA, California, Yalo County, Winters, 38.525, - 121.970833, XII 1965, ex. Melanerpes formicivorus). Body: (Fig. 6 C – D): dorsally subcircular, lateral margins slightly concave at level of leg 2, length from tip of scapulae to posterior edge (0.45 – 0.50; 0.47 ± 0.02), widest (0.40 – 0.46; 0.43 ± 0.02) near midlength, median area of idiosoma posterior to scutum convex; 11 festoons. Scutum (Fig: 6 C): length (0.24 – 0.25; 0.25 ± 0.002), breadth (0.30 – 0.32; (0.31 ± 0.06), outline broadly cordiform; scapulae rounded; cervical grooves almost parallel, distinct, deep, wide, with margins slightly diverging posteriorly, reaching 1 / 3 of scutal length; cervical fields wide, very shallow, reaching edge of scutum, delimiting slightly convex posterior central field and convex anterolateral scutal areas; 3 pairs of scutal setae (0.009 – 0.014; 0.012 ± 0.002) and 4 pairs of small wax glands. Alloscutum (Fig. 6 D): large wax glands (or sensilla sagittiformia) present; 8 pairs of fine dorsomarginal setae (0.014 – 0.022; 0.017 ± 0.002), two anterior to large wax glands; 2 pairs of central dorsal setae (0.009 – 0.014; 0.011 ± 0.002); supplementary setae absent. Venter (Fig. 6 E – F) with 3 pairs of large wax glands posterior to each coxa; 3 pairs of sternal setae (0.016 – 0.024; 0.020 ± 0.002), two aligned with coxae III and one with coxae II; 2 pairs of preanal setae (0.010 – 0.020; 0.014 ± 0.004); 4 pairs of premarginal setae (0.011 – 0.016; 0.013 ± 0.002), 4 pairs of marginal ventral (0.013 – 0.018; 0.015 ± 0.002), and 1 pair of minuscule anal setae. Capitulum (Fig. 6 A – B): dorsal length (Fig. 6 A) from palpal apices to tip of cornua (0.13 – 0.15; 0.14 ± 0.07), width between tips of lateral extensions of palpal segments II (0.15 – 1.60; 0.16 ± 0.03). Basis capituli length from papal insertion to tip of cornua (0.06 – 0.07; 0.07 ± 0.002), width (0.11 – 0.12; 0.12 ± 0.01), with dorsal posterior edge concave, lateral margins rounded, with small notch under insertion of palps, cornua short, wider at insertion than long, bluntly pointed and posteriorly directed. Palpal segment I inconspicuous, palpal segment II almost as long (0.05 – 0.05; 0.05 ± 0.006) long as broad (0.05 – 0.05; 0.05 ± 0.006) (width measured at level of lateral extensions), palpal segment III (0.03 – 0.03; 0.03 ± 0.001) long by (0.04 – 0.04; 0.04 ± 0.001) broad. Palpal segments II and III not fused, delimited by distinct dorsal suture; palpal segment II dorsally with deep groove going from posteromedian edge to tip of lateral protrusion and with 1 medially directed flattened barbed seta. Ventrally (Fig. 6 B), basis capituli broadly rectangular, with posterolaterally directed, bluntly pointed, triangular auriculae. Hypostome spatulate, toothed portion covering approx. 3 ⁄ 4 of hypostomal length; dental formula below crown 2: 2 on 4 – 5 rows, denticles of approx. similar size; one pair of post-hypostomal short and fine setae. Palpal segment II with 2 long, flattened, barbed setae inserted on median edge and covering in part hypostome and post-hypostomal setae; palpal segment III with rounded subtriangular ventral spur; palpal segment IV extruding, with approx. 7 apical setae. Palpal setation as in Fig. 6 A – B. Legs: Coxa I with internal broad, rounded spur; coxa II with one, short, wide, rounded spur; coxa III with a ridge-like spur; coxal setae approx. twice as long as idiosomal setae (0.03 – 0.05; 0.04 ± 0.005) (Fig. 6 E). Haller’s organ as in Fig. 6 G.	en	Egizi, Andrea, Nava, Santiago, Nakano, Angie, Saunders, Megan E. M., Maestas, Lauren P., Angelus, Autumn D., Noden, Bruce, Nadolny, Robyn M., Bajwa, Waheed I., Lubelcyzk, Charles, Bhosale, Chanakya R., Paskewitz, Susan, Gaff, Holly D., Beati, Lorenza (2025): Description of all stages of a new tick species from California, Haemaphysalis vespertina (Acari: Ixodidae), with redescription of H. leporispalustris Packard, 1869 adults and phylogenetic relationships among related U. S. taxa. Zootaxa 5719 (1): 49-72, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2
038C87E7FF89FFFA72AEFDE4FC06BE46.taxon	description	Female — Figs. 7 A – 7 G; based on 14 specimens, some partially engorged, from Packard’s type series deposited at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ IZ 47339) Body of unfed specimens dorsally suboval, longer (1.27 – 1.65; 1.54 ± 0.10) than wide (0.87 – 1.14; 1.00 ± 0.07); widest posterior to mid-length. Scutum (Fig. 7 C) oval, longer (0.86 – 0.96; 0.91 ± 0.03) than wide (0.63 – 0.806; 0.74 ± 0.05), with posterior margin rounded; cervical grooves deep and broad, converging posteriorly to almost mid-length of scutum, then diverging; scapulae with scattered fine, punctations, bearing very short, fine setae, lateral fields and posterior border with few inconspicuous punctations and glabrous; median field with homogeneously distributed, scattered, small, shallow punctations all bearing very short, fine setae (0.001 – 0.003; 0.002 ± 0.001) (Fig. 7 C). Alloscutum (Fig. 7 D) with deep, uniformly distributed, small punctations all bearing short setae (0.002 – 0.004; 0.003 ± 0.001); marginal groove complete, lining 11 festoons, reaching scutum at level of coxa II; festoons and marginal folds with numerous deep, small, punctations bearing short fine setae. Venter (Figs. 7 E – G): genital aperture at level of coxae III, U-shaped, with almost parallel lateral margins (Fig. 7 G); anal groove posterior to anus joining anterolaterally genital groove; bean-shaped areas posterolateral to anus, delimited by posteromedian groove, festoons, posterior part of genital groove, and anal groove; ventral grooves more distinct in unfed specimens; punctations dense, fine, deep, uniformly distributed, bearing fine setae (0.001 – 0.003; 0.002 ± 0.001) (Fig. 7 E); spiracular plates almost round with inconspicuous, blunt, dorsal projection, with 3 – 5 rows of small goblet cells, slightly smaller along periphery. Capitulum (Figs 7 A – B). Dorsal (Fig. 7 A): length from palpal apices to tip of cornuae (0.49 – 0.58; 0.53 ± 0.03); basis capituli broader (0.39 – 0.44; 0.41 ± 0.01) than long (0.15 – 0.19; 0.17 ± 0.01), subrectangular, with convex, rounded, lateral edges, posterior margin straight, cornuae wider at insertion than long, rounded; porose areas narrowly flattened and oval (0.07 – 0.11; 0.09 ± 0.01) long and (0.04 – 0.09; 0.06 ± 0.01) wide, placed in deep depressions of basis capituli, diverging posteriorly, inter-porose area concave; ventrally (Fig. 7 B), basis capituli subrectangular, with lateral edges slightly diverging anteriorly, with short rounded, posteriorly directed processes, almost as wide at insertion than at apex. Palps dorsal (Fig. 7 A): palpal segment I inconspicuous; palpal segment II length (0.21 – 0.28; 0.24 ± 0.01), palpal segment II width at level of lateral projection (0.13 – 0.18; 0.15 ± 0.01), distance between apices of lateral projections (0.54 – 0.65; 0.60 ± 0.03); internal edge of palpala segment II markedly concave ending in conspicuous medially directed anterior lobe, with approx. 3 fine, barbed setae; palpal segment III approximately as long (0.13 – 0.18; 0.14 ± 0.01) as wide (0.09 – 0.12; 0.11 ± 0.01); lateral length of palpal segments II and III measured from apex of palpal segment III to tip of angle with lateral projection (0.29 – 0.35; 0.33 ± 0.02). Palps ventral (Fig. 7 B): palpal segment I inconspicuous, palpal segment II with no spurs, with approx. 8 fine, barbed, flattened, median setae (damaged in Fig. 7 B, but basal insertion holes are clearly visible, and confirmed by the examination of other type specimens); palpal segment III with rounded ventral spur; hypostome clavate, with homogeneous 3: 3 dental formula excepted crown, approx. 9 denticles per file. Legs. Coxa I (Fig. 7 F) with short, wide, rounded internal spur, wider than long; distinct, smaller, rounded, external spur; coxa II with internal, round, posteriorly directed spur and external very small, rounded spur; coxa III – IV with single, triangular spur, as long as wide at insertion, directed posteriorly, inserted at mid-width in coxa III, inserted more medially in coxa IV. Trochanter I with ventral rounded spur; coxae and legs with scattered, long, fine setae. Male — Figs. 8 A – 8 G; based on 2 specimens, some partially engorged, from Packard’s type series deposited at the Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology (MCZ IZ 47339); therefore, standard deviation values are missing when only 2 measurements were available. Scutum (Fig. 8 C) oval, longer (1.33 – 2.12; 1.73) than wide (0.95 – 1.43; 1.19); with lateral edges convex, widest posterior to mid-length; cervical grooves very deep, short, almost parallel, reaching level of coxa II; scapulae round with scattered fine punctations, bearing short, fine setae as in female; marginal grooves starting anteriorly at approx. mid length of scutum, deep, reaching and lining first festoon, absent along other 9 festoons; festoons with scattered punctations and inconspicuous short, fine setae; median field with unevenly distributed, medium sized shallow punctations, all bearing very short, fine setae (0.004 – 0.011; 0.008 ± 0.003), glabrous crescent outlining pseudoscutum and glabrous median longitudinal line reaching central festoon, interrupting punctation pattern, lateral fold anterior to festoons with single, lateral, almost linear line of punctations reaching almost level of coxa II (Fig. 8 C). Venter: genital aperture at level of coxa II, covered by oval apron as in Fig. 8 E; anal groove posterior to anus joining genital groove anterolaterally, bean-shaped areas posterolateral to anus, delimited by posteromedian groove, festoons, posterior part of genital groove, and anal groove; punctations dense, fine, shallow, and uniformly distributed, bearing fine, very short setae (0.006 – 0.009; 0.008 ± 0.001) (Fig. 8 F); spiracular plates almost round with blunt, inconspicuous, dorsal projection, with 4 – 5 lines of small goblet cells, smaller along periphery. Capitulum (Figs. 8 A – B). Dorsal: length from palpal apices to tip of cornuae (0.33 – 0.35; 0.34); basis capitula broader (0.23 – 0.24; 0.235) than long (0.13 – 0.14; 0.135), subrectangular, with convex, rounded, lateral edges, posterior margin straight, cornuae at least as long as wide, bluntly rounded (Fig. 8 A); ventrally basis capituli subrectangular, with lateral edges slightly diverging anteriorly, with short rounded, posteriorly directed processes as wide at insertion as long (Fig. 8 B). Palps dorsal: palpal segment I inconspicuous; palpal segment II length (0.13 – 0.14; 0.13 ± 0.005), width at level of lateral projection (0.10 – 0.13; 0.11 ± 0.01), distance between apices of lateral projections (0.39 – 0.41; 0.40); lateral length of palpal segments II and III combined measured from apex of palpal segment III to tip of angle with lateral projection (0.18 – 0.19; 0.18 ± 0.006); internal margin concave ending in conspicuous medially directed lobe, with 2 – 3 fine, barbed setae (visible in specimen not used for SEM); palpal segment III approximately as long (0.06 – 0.1; 0.08 ± 0.02) as wide (0.07 – 0.08; 0.08 ± 0.002) (Fig. 8 A). Palps ventral: palpal segment I inconspicuous, palpal segment II with no spurs, with approx. 5, lanceolate, barbed, fine, median setae; palpal segment III with rounded ventral spur. Hypostome clavate, with homogeneous 3: 3 dental formula excepted crown, approx. 8 denticles per file (Fig. 8 B). Legs. Coxa I (Fig. 8 D) with short, rounded internal spur, wider than long, external spur shorter and round; coxa II with round almost ridge-like internal spur and pointed short external spur; coxa III with round, very short, internal spur, coxa IV with inconspicuous barely noticeable internal ridge. Trochanter I with ventral rounded ridge-like spur; coxae and legs with scattered, long, and fine setae (Fig. 8 D).	en	Egizi, Andrea, Nava, Santiago, Nakano, Angie, Saunders, Megan E. M., Maestas, Lauren P., Angelus, Autumn D., Noden, Bruce, Nadolny, Robyn M., Bajwa, Waheed I., Lubelcyzk, Charles, Bhosale, Chanakya R., Paskewitz, Susan, Gaff, Holly D., Beati, Lorenza (2025): Description of all stages of a new tick species from California, Haemaphysalis vespertina (Acari: Ixodidae), with redescription of H. leporispalustris Packard, 1869 adults and phylogenetic relationships among related U. S. taxa. Zootaxa 5719 (1): 49-72, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5719.1.2
