Ticks: Comparison of Important Hard Ticks

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Arthropods and the Clinical Laboratory. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Ticks: Comparison of Important Hard Ticks

These images demonstrate the differences between important hard ticks found in the United States, as well as basic hard tick anatomy.
  • Ixodes
    • Mouthparts are long
    • Scutum (dorsal shield) is unremarkable, lacking adornment
    • No festoons
    • No eyes
    • Inverted U-shaped anal groove
  • Dermacentor
    • Ornate scutum in adult
    • Mouthparts are short
    • Eyes present
    • Festoons present
  • Amblyomma
    • Mouthparts are long
    • Festoons present
    • Eyes present
    • Ornate scutum in adult
    • Round body shape
Take time to note the differences in size, as well as to review the general anatomy of a hard tick. When using the atlases and other reference photographs, these body parts may be noted as distinguishing features.
7. CDC. Life Series Illustration: Ticks. CDC public domain. https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/images/gallery/Lifeseriesillustration.jpg?_=03668?noicon
8. CDC. Image#6038. "This illustration depicts two views of a female Ixodid hard tick, a dorsal view on the left, and a ventral view on the right. The dorsal view reveals the presence of a small, hard scutum, while the ventral view shows how the tick’s capitulum is located at the anterior end of the body, and their spiracular plates lie posterior to their fourth pair of legs." PHIL public domain. Created 1976. https://phil.cdc.gov/Details.aspx?pid=6038

Life Series Illustration of TICKS. (7)
Anatomy of hard tick. (8)