Ticks are small creatures that can transmit diseases through their bites to both humans and animals. Identifying a tick can be challenging because many species look alike, and their appearance changes across their life stages – larva, nymph, and adult. Furthermore, ticks are tiny; adults are around the size of an apple seed, nymphs resemble poppy seeds, and larvae are as small as a grain of sand. When engorged with blood after feeding, ticks swell, making recognition even harder.
This difficulty in identification underscores the importance of knowing what a tick looks like. Accurate identification of the tick species is crucial in assessing the potential diseases it might carry. If you find a tick on yourself or your pet, preserving it can be vital for healthcare providers and veterinarians to make prompt diagnoses if symptoms of a tickborne disease arise.
In regions like Alaska, where tick research is ongoing, identifying ticks is particularly important. Residents are encouraged to submit ticks found on themselves or their pets to the Alaska Submit-A-Tick Program for species identification. Familiarizing yourself with tick appearances can significantly aid in early detection and appropriate action.
Tick Identification Charts for Common Human-Biting Ticks in the US
To help with identification, here are visual guides to some common human-biting ticks found in the United States:
Black-legged Tick (Deer Tick)
Black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks, are recognized by their dark legs and reddish-brown body. The adult female, particularly after feeding, has a distinctive teardrop shape. They are notorious for transmitting Lyme disease.
American Dog Tick
American dog ticks are larger than deer ticks and have a mottled brown and white shield (scutum) behind their head. They are commonly found on dogs and in grassy, wooded areas, and can transmit diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick
Rocky Mountain wood ticks have a similar appearance to dog ticks with a brown and white scutum, but their geographical distribution is primarily in the Rocky Mountain region. They are also vectors for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Colorado tick fever.
Native Alaskan Ticks
Alaska is home to several native tick species that typically feed on wildlife but can occasionally be found on domestic animals and, rarely, humans. These include:
- Hare or Rabbit Tick (Haemaphysalis leporispalustris)
- Squirrel or Vole Tick (Ixodes angustus)
- Bird Ticks (Ixodes auritulus and Ixodes howelli)
- Seabird Ticks (Ixodes signatus and Ixodes uriae)
While these ticks are less commonly encountered by humans compared to the species mentioned above, awareness of their existence is important, especially for those living in or traveling through Alaska.
References: TickEncounter Resource Center.
