A genus of hard ticks (family Ixodidae) infesting cattle; members are important vectors of bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis in various parts of the world. Previously thought to be synonymous with Margaropus, but now considered distinct. ... Origin: G. Bous, ox, + philos, fond ... (05 Mar 2000) ... 
(bo-of´ĭ-lәs) a genus of hard-bodied ticks that transmit babesiosis.