Brown Dog Tick
Introduction
This tick gets its common name from its overall reddish brown color
and that it is common on dogs. Although the brown dog tick is the
species most commonly encountered indoors, it rarely attacks man. This
tick is found throughout the United States and the world.
Recognition
This tick is reddish brown in color, but when engorged, the engorged parts of body change
to a gray-blue or olive color. Males have tiny pits scattered over the
back. Scutum present, which covers male's entire back but only front
part of female. Black eyes on margin of scutum. Capitulum visible from
above; basis capituli laterally produced, not straight; second segment
of palpi about as long as wide. Abdominal festoons present; anal
groove present, posterior to anus.
Habits
The brown dog tick does not do well outdoors in the woods in the
United States. They prefer warm, dry conditions where dogs live. They
do not travel far after engorgement and dropping off the host. They
typically move upward, a behavior which usually promotes host
encounters.
Brown dog ticks may attach themselves anywhere on a dog. The adults
typically attach on the ears and between the toes, but the larva (seed
ticks) and nymphs typically attach on the back.
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