Tick

Natural Habitat

Tall grass, wooded areas, leaf litter, and on host animals such as mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles.

Diet & Feeding

Hematophagous; they feed exclusively on the blood of vertebrate hosts.

Behavior Patterns

Ticks use a behavior called 'questing' where they cling to vegetation and reach out with their front legs to grab onto passing hosts. Once attached, they burrow their mouthparts into the skin to feed for several days.

Risks & Benefits

Significant risk to humans and animals as vectors for diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Anaplasmosis. They offer little benefit to ecosystems other than serving as a food source for some birds and reptiles.

Identified on: 6/21/2026