What is the status of (Ixodidae)?

The original description of is predominantly based on morphological and ecological characteristics. It was postulated that is a cryptic species of the complex, mainly found in the Mediterranean region of Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Although definitive proof is lacking, genetic insights support that is a distinct species, but that the morphological characteristics, particularly from the adult stages, as well as molecular features, might not be distinctive enough for identification. In this study, we re-examined and expanded recently published results on the molecular relationships between and , using the complete mitogenomes of 44 specimens of , 3 of , 3 of either , , or , and 6 of from Northern Africa; the latter were identified as (in part) in previous reports. We managed to demonstrate that has unique mitochondrial genomic features that allow the complete separation from collected in Europe. All specimens of in Europe belong to four mitogenome clades that lack clear geographical structuring. Specimens found in Northern Africa belong to a fifth population. Although specimens of have been reported in Central Europe, their link with such a fifth mitogenome has not yet been documented. To confirm the link between genetics and morphology, we recommend additional studies, ideally based on nymphs of and , since they allow adequate morphological separation. Efforts should be directed to manage laboratory colonies to check for reproductive isolation, hybridization, and performance under different conditions of temperature and humidity.