Tick Bite (likely lone star tick or dog tick)
Scientific Name: Argasidae or Ixodidae bite mark (Not a live insect)
Order & Family: Order: Ixodida, Families: Ixodidae (hard ticks) or Argasidae (soft ticks)
Size: The bite mark shown appears to be approximately 3-6mm in diameter. Ticks themselves range from 1mm (larvae) to 10mm+ when engorged.
Natural Habitat
Found on the skin of a human or animal host. Ticks themselves live in wooded areas, tall grass, leaf litter, and shrubs.
Diet & Feeding
Hematophagous (feeds exclusively on blood from mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians).
Behavior Patterns
The image shows the aftermath of a feeding event. Ticks wait on vegetation ('questing') for a host to pass, attach themselves, and feed for several days if undisturbed.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Tick bites can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Alpha-gal syndrome (meat allergy). The reddish spot suggests potential irritation or early infection. There are no direct benefits to humans from tick bites.
Identified on: 2/12/2026