Lone Star Tick

Identification Features

Rounded body shape; reddish-brown color; tear drop shaped; long mouthparts. Females have a large white dot on their back.

Diseases Transmitted (Humans)

Ehrlichiosis (Ehrlichia chaffeensis/HME and Ehrlichia ewingii), Alpha-gal Syndrome (red meat allergy), Tularemia, Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI).

Active Seasons

Adults: April to mid-June; Nymphs: April to July (peak mid-May to mid-July); Larvae: July to September/early fall.

Diseases Transmitted (Pets)

Ehrlichiosis (dogs), Bobcat fever (Cytauxzoon felis in cats), Tularemia (cats/dogs).

Primary Hosts

White-tailed deer (all stages), small to medium-sized mammals, passerine birds, turkeys, and humans.