Lone Star Tick

• The Lone Star tick is a hard tick
• Only one nymphal stage is present
• Mouth parts project forward and are visible from above
• Respiratory openings (stigmata) are located near the 4th pair of legs
• A scutum, or shield like plate, is present on the back of the body and covers the entire back of the male. The scutum only covers part of the back of the female.
• Basal segment of each leg usually has a spur.
• Prominent white dot on the back of the adult female
• Vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, human monocytic ehrlichiosis (also know as – Lyme disease)
• Generally found in the south-central and southeastern region of the US
• Commonly attach themselves to humans and animals residing indoors
• Crawl several hours before attacking
• Must have 3 blood meals to develop to the adult stage
• Adults are commonly found on large animals i.e. cattle, deer and horses