AKA: The deer tick or the black-legged tick Ixodes scapularis AKA: The deer tick or the black-legged tick

Classification Kingdom: Anamalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Arachnida Subclass: Acari Superorder: Parasitiformes Order: Ixodida Family: Ixodidae Genus: Ixodes Species: Ixodes scapularis

Approximate Deer Tick Distribution in the U.S.

Anatomy -No segmentation -Body and capitulum of female is larger -Larva has 3 pairs of legs -Adult has 4 pairs of legs

Reproduction -Deer ticks reproduce sexually, use internal fertilization ,and are oviparous. -Mating occurs after a final blood meal on a large host such as a deer or human. -Temperature must be above 45 degrees F. for the ticks to be active and mate. -The engorged, egg laden female drops off of host, lays about 3000 eggs under leaf litter, and then dies.

Life Cycle Egg → Larva→ Nymph → Adult 1st Year Spring : Usually, eggs are produced in early spring and hatch from May to September. Summer: the nymphs feed once, molt, then enter the nymph stage. Fall: dormant Winter: dormant 2nd Year Spring: nymphs become active Spring/Summer: nymphs find a host, molt, and then enter the adult stage. Fall/Winter: adults seek host then remain inactive until spring. The following spring the new adults produce eggs.

Adaptations Haller’s organ: a chemoreceptor sensory apparatus which allows ticks to sense odors, carbon dioxide, humidity, movement, and heat given off by potential hosts. While waiting for a host, ticks hold their foremost pair of legs (site of Haller’s Organ) upward while waiting for a host to pass by that it can grab hold of. Capitulum: The mouth parts have also developed in a way that helps makes them very effective parasites. On the underside of the capitulum, sharp spikes or barbs point back toward the body of the tick to aid in anchoring. Size matters: The small size of deer ticks allows them to go unnoticed by many animals including humans.

Significance? Deer ticks spread Lyme Disease Overview: Lyme disease is an infection caused by, Borrelia burgdorferi, a bacterium carried by deer ticks. Humans (and other animals) acquire the bacterium when a tick feeds on them for more than 24 hours. If not treated, the bacterium moves through the circulatory system and settles into different body tissues.

Lyme Disease The first symptom is usually an expanding, “bull’s-eye” rash called erythema migrans. Early localized Lyme disease: The characteristic rash is usually accompanied by relatively mild symptoms such as joint aching, fever, chills, and fatigue. Symptoms may be brief and many do not seek medical attention. Unfortunately, the symptoms often return and are usually much worse as the disease progresses in the body.

Lyme Disease Early disseminated Stage (bacterium has spread throughout body): Symptoms include: -Two or more rashes not at site of bite -Migrating pains in joints/tendons -Headache -Stiff, aching neck -Facial paralysis -Tingling or numbness in extremities -Enlarged lymph glands -Abnormal pulse -Sore throat -Changes in vision -Fever of 100 to 102 F -Severe fatigue

Lyme Disease Late disseminated stage: The severe, debilitating symptoms that can occur during the later stages of the disease may begin weeks, months, or even years after a tick bite. These symptoms include but are not limited to: Severe headaches Dizziness Numbness in arms/hands or legs/feet Arthritis (pain/swelling) of one or two large joints disorientation and confusion Disabling neurological disorders short-term memory loss Difficulty or inability to concentrate, finish sentences, or follow conversations Cardiac abnormalities

Prevention Basics Avoid leaf litter and vegetation Wear enclosed shoes and light colored clothing to make spotting ticks easier Check clothing and skin regularly while outdoors Stay on open trails with minimal leaf litter and vegetation Use appropriate insect repellant on clothing Avoid sitting on the ground or stone walls Always do a “tick check” at the end of the day Learn how to tell the difference between tick species Learn how to remove ticks properly Seek medical attention if you think you are experiencing any symptoms or are concerned about a tick bite. *For those who frequently are exposed to tick infested areas, REI is making light colored gators with tick repellant infused into the material.

References http://bioweb.uwlax.edu/bio203/s2008/clarin_bria/Reproduction.htm http://www.cdc.gov/Lyme/ http://www.aldf.com/index.shtml Images: http://www.google.com/imghp