The genus Rhipicentor is composed of 2 species, namely R bicornis and R nuttalli, and both occur only in Africa south of the Sahara. R bicornis feeds on goats, cattle, horses, dogs, and carnivores in southern and central Africa. R nuttalli has a widespread distribution in South Africa. Immature stages feed on elephant shrews. The preferred hosts of the adults are domestic dogs, leopards, and South African hedgehogs. The life cycle of these ticks probably takes a year to complete in the field.

Last full review/revision July 2011 by Michael L. Levin, PhD