Overview of Ixodes Scapularis (black-legged or Deer ticks)
Black-legged ticks generally take two years to complete their life cycle.
Adult males and females are active in October-May, as long as the day time temperature remains above freezing. Preferring larger hosts, like white-tailed deer, these ticks can be found on the tips of branches of low growing brush and shrubs. Adult females readily attack humans and pets. Once females fully engorge, their scutum becomes whitish in color, and they drop off the host. Engorged females lay one single mass of eggs (approximately 1500-2000 eggs) in mid to late-May, and then die. Larvae emerge from eggs later in the summer. Unfed female black-legged ticks are easily distinguished from other ticks by their orange-red body surrounding their black scutum. The males do not feed.
Deer Ticks are also potential carriers of Lyme Disease.
Adult males and females are active in October-May, as long as the day time temperature remains above freezing. Preferring larger hosts, like white-tailed deer, these ticks can be found on the tips of branches of low growing brush and shrubs. Adult females readily attack humans and pets. Once females fully engorge, their scutum becomes whitish in color, and they drop off the host. Engorged females lay one single mass of eggs (approximately 1500-2000 eggs) in mid to late-May, and then die. Larvae emerge from eggs later in the summer. Unfed female black-legged ticks are easily distinguished from other ticks by their orange-red body surrounding their black scutum. The males do not feed.
Deer Ticks are also potential carriers of Lyme Disease.
Where are they Found?
The deer tick is found predominantly in the deciduous forest. They are most commonly found in the east and central areas. Their distribution relies greatly on the distribution of their reproductive hosts, the white-tailed deer.
The deer tick is found predominantly in the deciduous forest. They are most commonly found in the east and central areas. Their distribution relies greatly on the distribution of their reproductive hosts, the white-tailed deer.