Tick Identification Key

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School

University of Colorado, Denver *

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Course

111

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

docx

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Uploaded by LieutenantHare1537

Tick Identification Key 1. Does the rear edge of the tick have a band that appears segmented with many square plates known as festoons? YES: Go to 3 NO: G to 2 2. Are the mouthparts long enough that they extend out from the body and are visible when looking at the tick from above? YES: This may be a blacklegged tick, also known as the “deer tick” ( Ixodes scapularis) . They range from dark brown to bright red and have black legs. NO: This is a “soft tick” (Argasidae ). These ticks are soft, while all other ticks mentioned here are “hard ticks”. Soft ticks rarely, if ever, transmit disease. They are often associated with domestic birds upon which they feed. 3. Are there several irregular cream-off white marks in the center of the tick’s back? YES: This is an American dog tick ( Dermacentor variabilis ). It usually feeds on dogs and other small mammals, but will bite people. The silvery-white marks streak across the backs of males. On females, the cream-off white marks are found only on the scutum. These ticks are oval shaped and their mouthparts are relatively short and broad. NO: Go to 4 4. Are there white markings on the rear edge of the tick’s back OR a single white spot in the center of the back? YES: This is the Lone star tick ( Amblyomma americanum ). They have long, narrow mouthparts and their bodies are somewhat round in shape rather than oval-shaped like other ticks. NO: This may be a brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) . The brown dog tick is oval in shape and has shorter and thicker mouthparts than some other ticks. It feeds primarily on dogs. This tick seldom bites or transmits disease to people.

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Tick Identification Key

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