Tick (likely deer tick or similar species)
Scientific Name: Ixodes scapularis (if deer tick, but may vary by species)
Order & Family: Ixodida / Ixodidae
Size: Unfed nymphs are typically less than 1 mm, adults up to 5 mm (unfed). Engorged females can be up to 10 mm.
Natural Habitat
Wooded areas, tall grasses, shrubs, leaf litter. They thrive in humid environments.
Diet & Feeding
Blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are obligate hematophages, meaning they must feed on blood to survive and progress through their life stages.
Behavior Patterns
Ticks quest for hosts by climbing onto vegetation and waiting with their front legs extended to grab onto passing animals or humans. They then crawl on the host to find a suitable feeding site. They can remain attached for several days while feeding.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Ticks are vectors for various diseases, including Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Powassan virus. Bites can also cause local irritation or allergic reactions. Benefits: Ticks generally do not provide significant direct benefits to humans, but they are a food source for some animals (e.g., birds and opossums) and play a role in their ecosystems.
Identified on: 10/29/2025