[Hibernal parasitism by Ixodes ricinus (L., 1758) of Felis catus domesticus in an urbanized area].

In the first months of 1977 some adults of Ixodes ricinus (L., 1758) have been found on Felis catus domesticus in a newly urbanized area near Rieti (Lazio, Central Italy) which had been previously used as a grazing-ground for sheep. This finding, quite exceptional according to the literature, is explained in the following way: 1) the cat had not been recorded until now as an habitual host of any Ixodid species, but many species of this superfamily can infest the cat in absence of their habitual hosts; 2) in a continental temperature climate, in peculiar microhabitats and in presence of hosts, I. ricinus can remain active for the whole year; 3) in changing the environment, man can influence the life-cycle of the parasite: the niche abandoned by the natural hosts can be occupied by other hosts which may be in many ways better suited to the tick and more dangerous for man. This phenomenon appears to be principally linked with the urbanization.