American Dog Tick
The tick is most commonly found on dogs, and readily attacks humans. It is of medical importance because it can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever and cause tick paralysis.
- Common Name: American Dog Tick
- Scentific Name: Dermacentor variabilis (Say)
- Class/Order/Family: Archnida/Acari/Ixodidae
- Metamorphosis: Simple
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Size
Unengorged adult female about 3/16" long, male slightly smaller.
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Color
Brown with whitish to grayish markings often with a silvery hue.
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Biology
The engorged female drops off the host and seeks a sheltered place to lay her eggs.
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Habit
Does not survive well indoors.
Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties