Genetic and landscape connectivity of blacklegged ticks during range expansion in select states of the Midwestern U.S.

Genetic and landscape connectivity of blacklegged ticks during range expansion in select states of the Midwestern U.S. | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL Ecology and Evolution This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 22 September 2025 V1 Latest version Share on Genetic and landscape connectivity of blacklegged ticks during range expansion in select states of the Midwestern U.S. Authors : Dahn-young Dong 0000-0001-6284-2738 [email protected] , Susan Paskewitz , Jean Tsao , and Sean Schoville 0000-0001-7364-434X Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175856157.70605032/v1 248 views 209 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Since the 1970s, the Midwestern USA has experienced an expansion of blacklegged ticks ( Ixodes scapularis ), the primary vector of Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi , leading to increased Lyme disease incidence. Public health surveillance indicates that Northwestern Wisconsin has served as refugia for these ticks, seeding an expansion into neighboring states such as Michigan. However, the process of re-emergence and invasion remains unclear. To improve tick management, we examine whether environmental variables in the Midwestern (eastern North Central) region have constrained tick dispersal and whether connectivity corridors can be identified. By developing fine-scale spatial population genomic data, our analyses reveal genetically diverse populations in Wisconsin, with northern populations contributing to recent expansions within the state. We identify several east-west gene flow corridors facilitating tick dispersal in Wisconsin. An independent dispersal network exists along Wisconsin’s Mississippi River, extending southwards. In contrast, Michigan populations exhibit sharp genetic divergence from Wisconsin and Indiana populations, with low genetic diversity and high in-state gene flow. We also identified high landscape connectivity in the region connecting the Michigan Peninsulas and significant gene flow at the landmass near southern Lake Michigan. Geographical isolation, as well as landscapes with low soil humidity during summer and high human disturbance, were found to limit gene flow across the region, although these effects were minor. Management of blacklegged ticks in the region can be enhanced by recognizing that landscape connectivity has influenced the dispersal of distinct genetic populations, and targeted interventions in seemingly less tick-favorable landscapes may help mitigate the spread. Supplementary Material File (2025.05.17_dong_etal_landgenms_revision_clean.docx) Download 110.69 KB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 22 September 2025 Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License. Collection Ecology and Evolution Keywords genetics invertebrate molecular genetics natural history sequencing terrestrial Authors Affiliations Dahn-young Dong 0000-0001-6284-2738 [email protected] University of Wisconsin-Madison View all articles by this author Susan Paskewitz University of Wisconsin-Madison View all articles by this author Jean Tsao Michigan State University View all articles by this author Sean Schoville 0000-0001-7364-434X University of Wisconsin Madison View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 248 views 209 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Dahn-young Dong, Susan Paskewitz, Jean Tsao, et al. Genetic and landscape connectivity of blacklegged ticks during range expansion in select states of the Midwestern U.S.. Authorea . 22 September 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175856157.70605032/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . Format Please select one from the list RIS (ProCite, Reference Manager) EndNote BibTex Medlars RefWorks Direct import Tips for downloading citations document.getElementById('citMgrHelpLink').addEventListener('click', function() { popupHelp(this.href); return false; }); $(".js__slcInclude").on("change", function(e){ if ($(this).val() == 'refworks') $('#direct').prop("checked", false); $('#direct').prop("disabled", ($(this).val() == 'refworks')); }); View Options View options PDF View PDF Figures Tables Media Share Share Share article link Copy Link Copied! Copying failed. 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