A record of Haemaphysalis erinacei (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from Hedgehog and an identification key for the species of Haemaphysalis occurring in Iran

Ticks of the order Ixodida are among the most proficient ectoparasites worldwide. Haemaphysalis is the second largest genus within Ixodidae. Southeast Asia is thought to be the original center of development and dispersal of the genus. Six species of Haemaphysalis, H. concinna, H. erinacei, H. inermis, H. parva, H. punctata and H. sulcata, have been recorded as occurring in Iran. The current paper deals with notes on taxonomy of H. erinacei and provides a provisional key for the identification of Haemaphysalis species that occur in Iran.