Black-legged Tick; Deer Tick

Wooded areas, tall grasses, brush, and leaf litter. They are often found in transitional zones between forests and open fields.

Strictly hematophagous (blood-feeding) at all active life stages (larva, nymph, and adult). They feed on a variety of hosts, including rodents, birds, deer, and humans.

Black-legged ticks undergo a complex life cycle involving four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Each active stage (larva, nymph, adult) requires a blood meal to molt to the next stage or, for adult females, to lay eggs. They are known for 'questing' behavior, where they climb onto vegetation and wait for a host to pass by. They are not active hunters, but rather ambush predators.

Potential risks: Primary vector for Lyme disease (caused by Borrelia burgdorferi), anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus in humans. Their bites are generally painless, leading to delayed discovery. No significant direct benefits to humans, but as part of the ecosystem, they are a food source for some predators and contribute to the natural food web.