Tick (General)
Scientific Name: Not identifiable to a specific species from the bite alone; examples include Ixodes scapularis (deer tick), Amblyomma americanum (Lonestar tick), Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick).
Order & Family: Order: Ixodida (formerly Acarina, suborder Ixodida); Families: Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks). The image is most consistent with a hard tick bite.
Size: Unfed larvae: ~0.5 mm; Unfed nymphs: ~1-2 mm; Unfed adults: ~3-5 mm (varies greatly by species). Engorged females can be up to 10-15 mm.
Natural Habitat
Widely distributed globally, found in wooded areas, tall grasses, shrubs, leaf litter, and urban parks. They prefer humid environments.
Diet & Feeding
Blood (hematophagous) of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Larval, nymphal, and adult stages all require blood meals.
Behavior Patterns
Unlike insect bites, tick bites are often unnoticed at first as they attach firmly to the host and feed slowly. They can remain attached for several days, engorging with blood. Ticks do not jump or fly; they typically find hosts by Haller's organ detecting carbon dioxide and body odors, and then questing (waiting on vegetation with front legs outstretched) to grab onto a passing host. They are active primarily during warmer months, though some species can be active in cooler weather.
Risks & Benefits
Potential Risks: Ticks are significant vectors of various pathogens, including bacteria (e.g., Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis), viruses (e.g., Powassan virus, Tick-Borne Encephalitis), and protozoa (e.g., babesiosis). Tick bites can also cause localized skin irritation, allergic reactions, and in rare cases, tick paralysis. Potential Benefits: While primarily known for disease transmission, ticks play a role in some ecosystems as a food source for certain predators and as part of the decomposition process.
Identified on: 9/4/2025