Autogenous reproduction by (Ixodida: Argasidae) females and vertical transmission of the tick-borne pathogen (Spirochaetales: ).

Previous research has implicated ticks, including , as long-term reservoirs of relapsing fever (RF) spirochetes. Considering the tick's long lifespan and their efficiency in maintaining and transferring spirochetes within the population, the infection could persist in a given enzootic focus for decades. However, little is known about the relative importance of horizontal and vertical transmission routes in the persistence and evolution of RF . Our observations on the reproductive biology of in the absence of vertebrate hosts indicate an additional mechanism by which can be maintained in the environment. This work establishes the foundation for studying reproduction and spirochete-vector interactions, which will aid in devising control measures for ticks and RF spirochetes.