Lone star ticks undergo four life phases. They are an aggressive tick, which means they are less likely to be threatened by larger hosts and more likely to approach and latch onto humans. Lone star ticks may also spend much of their time feeding and living on an unsuspecting host which can range from wildlife to farm animals, pets and even humans. They are found frequently in the south-west of America but may also be found less commonly in the northern states, where thick underbrush allows for similar environments and hospitable conditions. Much like many other species, lone star ticks prefer woodlands and warm humid climates in which thick vegetation is present. The male lone star tick may also have other, darker, less-defined spots dotted around its back. The result of a lone star tick bite may cause a nasty red rash, which is similar to, but not be indicative, of Lyme’s disease.ĭespite their name, which is a reflection of their common location in Texas, it is also named after their one single white spot that appears on their backs, much like a lonesome star. This species will only grow to an inch, often less. They have a very small, protruding head which has sharp teeth to penetrate skin. Females, however, may become even more swollen when carrying or are ready to lay eggs. They are considered a hard tick due to their hard shell. The Lone Star Tick resembles a miniature crab a with fat, round body, a hard, glossy shell and eight shorts legs. You can identify them from their one single white star on the shell. Lone star ticks in general are found in long, grassy areas, and these areas should be especially avoided in summer months when the lone star females lay their eggs. Medical attention should be sought in the case of a bite, and patients are usually treated with a course of antibiotics. Like most other ticks, lone star ticks are a vector for many diseases, and a bite may incur a nasty rash and possible secondary infections. They are native to America and have been found as far north as Maine. They are common to many places in south-west America and live in other regions as well, though less frequently. They flourish in warm climates where thick bush allows for hospitable environments in which they wait for a host. Lone star ticks are one of the most aggressive ticks known to man and are especially well established in Texas, from which its common name derives. These ticks are oval shaped and their mouthparts are relatively short and broad.Lone Star Tick Scientific Name: Amblyomma americanum Lone Star Tick Facts On females, the silvery-white marks are found only on the scutum. The silvery-white marks streak across the backs of males from the edges of the scutum to the rear end (see illustration below). It usually feeds on dogs and other small mammals, but will bite people and occasionally transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. YES: This is an American dog tick ( Dermacentor variabilis), the most common tick found throughout Illinois. Are there irregular silvery white marks in the center of the tick’s back?.They are often associated with domestic birds upon which they feed. These ticks are soft, while all other ticks mentioned here are “hard ticks.” Soft ticks rarely, if ever, transmit disease in Illinois. However, because there are many similar Ixodes species, they should be sent to an expert for species identification. These ticks can transmit Lyme and other diseases. They range from dark brown to bright red and have black legs. Blacklegged ticks are most common in northern Illinois and around river corridors. YES: This may be a blacklegged tick, also know as the “deer tick” ( Ixodes scapularis). Are the mouthparts long, narrow and visible from above the tick?. Does the rear edge of the tick appear segmented with several square plates known as festoons?.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |