Blacklegged Tick

Ixodes scapularis

Identification Features

Oblong or sesame-seed shaped; black head and black dorsal shield. Adult females have a brick-red abdomen; no festoons; horseshoe-shaped ridge around anal opening.

Diseases Transmitted (Humans)

Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, Powassan virus, Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis.

Active Seasons

Adults: Fall (Oct/Nov), Spring (April), and winter if >32 F; Nymphs: May to August (peak May/June); Larvae: July to September (peak August).

Diseases Transmitted (Pets)

Lyme Disease (dogs), Anaplasmosis (dogs), Tick Paralysis (dogs).

Primary Hosts

White-footed mice (larvae/nymphs), white-tailed deer (adults), birds, raccoons, opossums, livestock, and humans.