Further thoughts on the taxonomy and vector role of Rhipicephalus sanguineus group ticks

Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a tick species described in 1806 by Latreille, based on specimensprobably collected in France. However, this is a taxon with uncertain morphological defi-nition and recent studies have gathered irrefutable evidence supporting the existence of acryptic species-complex under the name ‘R. sanguineus’, whose number of sibling speciesaround the world has yet to be ascertained. This fact is of great medical and veterinary con-cern, also considering that ticks currently identified as ‘R. sanguineus’ have been regardedas proven or putative vectors of several pathogens infecting dogs and humans. Differencesin the distribution and prevalence of some of these microorganisms (e.g., Ehrlichia canisand Hepatozoon canis) further support the existence of distinct species under the name ‘R.sanguineus’ and suggest that the vector competence of these tick species may vary. Thisarticle provides an account on the taxonomy and the vector role of ticks belonging to theR. sanguineus group in the light of recent researc