Community identification
Lone Star Tick (Nymph)
Amblyomma americanum
- Order & Family
- Order Ixodida, Family Ixodidae
- Size
- 1.5 mm to 2 mm as an unfed nymph.
Natural Habitat
Wooded areas, dense brush, and tall grasslands with high humidity.
Diet & Feeding
Obligate hematophage, feeding exclusively on vertebrate blood.
Behavior Patterns
Waits on vegetation in a questing posture to latch onto passing hosts. Attaches firmly to skin to feed for several days.
Risks & Benefits
Transmits pathogens causing ehrlichiosis and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). Can also induce alpha-gal syndrome, causing red meat allergy.