Otobius

A genus of argasid ticks similar to Ornithodoros but characterized by a granulated integument, a hypostome that is vestigial in the adult but well developed in the spiny nymphs, and the absence of eyes and hood. Two species are recognized: O. lagophilus (the face tick of rabbits) and O. megnini, the spinose ear tick that causes otobiosis in horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, and some wild animals; it occurs in southwestern parts of the U.S., where it is an important pest, and is also distributed worldwide.

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Oto·bi·us ō-'tō-bē-əs n a genus of argasid ticks that includes the spinose ear tick

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Oto·bi·us (o-toґbe-əs) [oto- + Gr. bios manner of living] a genus of argasid ticks, originally native to the western United States and Canada but now found around the world. The nymphs of O. megniґni, the spinose ear tick of cattle and other domestic animals, may also attack human ears but is not a vector for disease.