Bug Identifier
Dog tick
Community identification

Dog tick

Dermacentor variabilis

Order & Family
Parasitiformes, Ixodidae
Size
4 mm to 5 mm unfed; up to 15 mm when engorged.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Tall grass, brush, and wooded areas along trails.

Diet & Feeding

Vertebrate blood across three parasitic life stages.

Behavior Patterns

Waits on vegetation via questing to latch onto passing hosts.

Risks & Benefits

Transmits pathogens such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans and pets.