Ixodes scapularis
Color: Dark Brown
Size: 2 – 5 mm
Shape: Flat and oval
Nutrition: Bloodsucking
Habitat: Eastern and central parts of North America
They prefer to live in forests, meadows and thickets
It climbs plants and clings to passing hosts.
The life cycle is biennial. Active in fall and early spring.
It lays eggs in moist and sheltered areas.
It is the main cause of Lyme disease transmission. It takes 24-48 hours for the tick to transmit the disease.
They cause Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Powassan virus.
Their bites are painless. There is local redness, itching or swelling.
Some individuals may have an allergic reaction.
Visible Ticks
Bites
Symptoms of Tick-Borne Illness