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News Release 11-032
Numbers of Lyme Disease-Carrying Ticks Plummet in Absence of Western Lizards
California areas without lizards had significant drop in tick populations
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Western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) can be found with dozens of ticks attached.
Credit: Anand Varma
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A researcher looks for ticks; male lizards have blue throats and bellies to attract females.
Credit: Anand Varma
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Some lizards accommodate ticks with a specialized fold in their necks: "mite pockets."
Credit: Anand Varma
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This adult tick (Ixodes sp.) can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
Credit: Anand Varma
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Other reptiles, such as this alligator lizard (Elgaria sp.), have Lyme-disease-carrying ticks.
Credit: Anand Varma
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