Tick (likely an engorged hard tick)

Leaf litter, grasses, shrubs, woodland edges, and areas frequented by mammals or birds. It may appear indoors after being carried in by a host.

Feeds exclusively on blood from vertebrate hosts, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. The enlarged abdomen indicates recent or ongoing feeding.

Typically waits on vegetation and attaches to passing hosts; adults and nymphs may remain attached for several days. After feeding, females detach and lay a large egg batch.

Some species transmit pathogens such as Lyme disease bacteria, babesiae, or ehrlichiae; avoid handling and remove promptly with fine-tipped tweezers. Ticks also serve as food for predators and are part of parasite-host ecosystem dynamics.