American Dog Tick

Tall grass, low-growing brush, and wooded paths near human settlements or animal dens

Obligate blood-feeders. Larvae and nymphs feed on small mammals like rodents; adults feed on larger mammals including dogs, deer, and humans.

They exhibit 'questing' behavior, where they climb onto vegetation and wait with front legs outstretched to latch onto a passing host. They have a three-host life cycle that can take up to two years to complete.

Known vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. Can cause tick paralysis in dogs and humans. They provide no significant ecological benefit to humans and are considered a major pest.