Black Legged Tick (Nymph)

Found in wooded areas, tall grass, and leaf litter; often attaches to mammals.

Obligate blood-feeders; larvae feed on birds/rodents, while nymphs and adults feed on larger mammals.

They are questing parasites that wait on vegetation to latch onto passing hosts. Life cycle includes egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages.

Major vector for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis. They provide no significant ecosystem benefit and are considered a pest.