American Dog Tick

Natural Habitat

Areas with little to no tree cover, such as grassy fields, walkways, and trails, often near urban environments.

Diet & Feeding

Blood of mammals, including dogs, livestock, and humans.

Behavior Patterns

Three-host life cycle (larva, nymph, and adult each feed on a different host). They engage in 'questing' by climbing vegetation and waiting for a host to pass.

Risks & Benefits

Primary vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. Can cause tick paralysis in dogs and humans. They provide no significant benefits to human ecosystems.

Identified on: 6/23/2026