
Deer Tick
Meet the tiny hunters of the grassy fields!

The Basics
Scientific Name
Ixodes scapularis
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Location
North America
Average size
1 to 2 millimeters
diet
Blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians
lifespan
2 to 3 years
Let’s Explore
Overview
The deer tick, also known as the black-legged tick, is a tiny creature living in North America. These little arachnids are part of the invertebrate class, which means they do not have backbones, and they belong to the same family as spiders.
Deer ticks measure only 1 to 2 millimeters in size, making them quite small. Despite their teensy stature, they can cause quite a stir because they feed on the blood of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians!
These bloodsuckers go through different life stages, including larva, nymph, and adult. Deer ticks can live for 2 to 3 years, allowing them to become experts at finding dinner over time!
Though deer ticks can be found in grassy or wooded areas, they really appreciate hiding in tall grass or leaf litter, patiently waiting for their next meal to wander by. It is no surprise they are great at playing hide and seek!
While deer ticks can make some people worry about the diseases they may carry, these little guys are part of the natural world. They play a role in the ecosystem, connecting different species as they feed.
Where can you find a Deer Tick in the wild?
What does a Deer Tick eat?
How big can a Deer Tick grow?
How long does a Deer Tick typically live?
What is the conservation status of the Deer Tick?
What are the main threats to the Deer Tick?
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