Lone Star Tick - Amblyomma americanum

This species is widely distributed in the midwestern and eastern United States. It is the primary vector of Ehrlichia chaffeensis, which causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis, and Ehrlichia ewingii, which causes human and canine granulocytic ehrlichiosis. It can also vector Tularemia and STARI. The pathogen that causes Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) has been isolated from lone star ticks sporadically, but it is unlikely to transmit the bacteria.

*Microscope slide; w.m.

comments (6)

Ruth Spigelman

Lion

Amazing how one so small can be such a superstar vector of disease. You've made it look quite endearing here Christine. Posted 4 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, Ruth! Such tiny arthropods harboring so many deadly and devastating pathogens. It is unbelievable how devastating vector-borne diseases are. Posted 4 years ago

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

Really pretty despite being very creepy :D Posted 4 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks, haha ;P Posted 4 years ago

Wesley Goorachan

Lion

Great photo and very informative description! Posted 4 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Wesley! Posted 4 years ago

The Northeastern water tick

''Amblyomma americanum'', the northeastern water tick, or the turkey tick, or the ‘’Cricker Tick’’, is a type of tick indigenous to much of the eastern United States and Mexico, that bites painlessly and commonly goes unnoticed, remaining attached to its host for as long as seven days until it is fully engorged with blood.

Info 3 0

Similar species: Ticks

Species identified by Christine Young