Dog Tick / Wood Tick

Grassy areas, wooded paths, and areas with tall weeds or shrubs where they wait for hosts.

Obligate hematophage; feeds on the blood of mammals including dogs, deer, and humans.

Employs 'questing' by climbing to the tips of vegetation and extending legs to grab passing hosts. Highly seasonal, most active in spring and early summer.

Risk: Known vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. Can cause tick paralysis in rare cases. No known benefits to humans; occupy a niche in the food chain for birds and small mammals.