Ornithodoros

• Genus of soft-bodied ticks that transmit tick-borne relapsing fever
• Typically live near rodents, and feed on them for short intervals while they sleep (i.e. feed at night)
• Species of tick carry specific species of Borrelia
  • Ornithodoros hermsi carries Borrelia hermsii, is found at higher altitudes, and is associated with squirrels and chipmunks
  • Ornithodoros perkeri carries Borrelia parkerii, lives in caves and burrows of ground squirrels, prairie docs, and burrowing owls
  • Ornithodoros turicata carries Borrelia turicatae, lives in caves and burrows of ground squirrels and prairie dogs in the plains of the Southwest US