Lone Star Tick

Wooded areas, dense brush, and tall grasslands with high humidity.

Obligate hematophagous ectoparasites feeding on vertebrate blood.

Quest from vegetation to latch onto passing hosts; undergoes a four-stage life cycle.

Transmits pathogens causing ehrlichiosis and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness, and can induce alpha-gal red meat allergy.