Deer tick nymph or lone star tick larva

Grassy fields, wooded areas, and low-lying shrubs where they wait for passing hosts.

Blood meals from vertebrates, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Quest by climbing vegetation and extending front legs to latch onto passing hosts.

High risk of transmitting vector-borne pathogens such as Lyme disease or Ehrlichiosis; no ecological benefit to humans.