Invasion success in a novel landscape: spatial factors determine the establishment of Ixodes scapularis

Ixodes scapularis (black-legged tick) is arguably the most important arthropod vector of infectious diseases from wildlife to humans in the United States. Further, I. scapularis is expanding in geographic distribution. While considerable attention has been paid to the ecology of I. scapularis in areas where it is an established vector of infectious diseases, very little is known about the factors that determine the successful colonization of new habitats. Here, I present results from one area of rapid expansion in the range of I. scapularis, northern Illinois. Importantly, spatial factors (e.g., connectivity, forest fragment area) that facilitate colonization by I. scapularis tend to be different from the spatial factors that determine high human risk where I. scapularis is already established. Understanding the factors that determine colonization success by I. scapularis in novel habitats is crucial to managing the increasing public health threat posed by this important vector of infectious diseases.