Tick (likely an adult hard tick given the size and morphology)
Scientific Name: Depends on the specific species; common genera include Ixodes, Dermacentor, Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus.
Order & Family: Order: Ixodida (Ticks), Family: Ixodidae (Hard ticks) or Argasidae (Soft ticks). Based on the image, it's likely a hard tick (family Ixodidae).
Size: Unfed larvae: ~0.5 mm; Unfed nymphs: ~1-1.5 mm; Unfed adults: ~2-5 mm. Engorged adults can swell to 10-15 mm depending on species and blood meal.
Natural Habitat
Forests, woodlands, tall grasses, brushy areas, suburban lawns, and gardens. They quest (wait) on vegetation for host contact.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophagous (blood feeders). They feed on the blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Behavior Patterns
Ticks undergo a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Each active stage (larva, nymph, adult) requires a blood meal to molt to the next stage or for reproduction. They are typically found in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas and attach to hosts that brush against vegetation. They do not fly or jump.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Ticks are significant vectors of various pathogens, including bacteria (e.g., Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever), viruses (e.g., Powassan virus), and protozoa (e.g., babesiosis, anaplasmosis). Their bites can also cause irritation, allergic reactions, and localized infections. Benefits: In the ecosystem, they serve as a food source for some birds and other invertebrates, and are part of the complex food web, but their ecological role is generally viewed as minor compared to their public health impact.
Identified on: 8/20/2025