Tick (likely an engorged hard tick)

Vegetation, leaf litter, animal resting areas, and structures where hosts pass or shelter. This specimen may have been dislodged from a mammal or pet.

Blood-feeding ectoparasite of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles. Adults and nymphs attach to a host and feed for several days.

Ticks climb vegetation or wait in sheltered areas, grasp passing hosts, and remain attached while feeding. After engorgement, females typically drop off to lay eggs.

Some species transmit pathogens such as Lyme disease bacteria, spotted-fever rickettsiae, and ehrlichiae; risks vary geographically. They are also prey for other animals and contribute to ecosystem food webs.