deer tick
Small woodland parasite
A deer tick is a small arachnid that feeds on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles.
Named for its preference for white-tailed deer as hosts, the deer tick is the primary carrier of Lyme disease in North America.
These ticks are tiny—about the size of a sesame seed—making them difficult to detect on skin or clothing.
Organism feeding on plasma
- ectoparasiteOrganism feeding on host externally
- blood mealDried, powdered animal protein
- engorgementOverfilling causing swelling
- feedingGiving food to
cement · anticoagulant · questing · infestation · embedded · attached
Eight-legged wingless arthropod
- eight-leggedPossessing four pairs of limbs
- scutumRoman infantry shield
- palpsArthropod sensory appendages
- mouthpartsOral feeding structures
engorged · unfed · sesame seed · poppy seed
Reproductive cell in shell
- larvaImmature feeding stage
- nymphNature spirit or larva
- adultMature person, legally responsible
- moltShed outer covering
instar · overwinter · questing · dormancy · seasonal activity · spring · summer · population
Sending of information
- carrierOne that transports
- pathogenDisease-causing microorganism
- hostOne receiving guests
- bitePierce with teeth
vector-borne · zoonosis · epidemiology · reservoir · infection cycle · disease spread · public health · endemic
Spiral-shaped bacterium
- bullseye rashCircular rash from tick-borne infection
- co-infectionConcurrent pathogen presence
- antibioticsBacteria-destroying medicines
- doxycyclineTetracycline-class antimicrobial medication
joint pain · fatigue · neurological · Bell's palsy · carditis · arthritis · meningitis · serology
Causes strong aversion
- DEETInsect-repelling chemical compound
- permethrinSynthetic bug-killing compound
- removalAct of taking away
- protective clothingGarments worn for safety
Forested land area
- leaf litterDecomposing ground debris
- underbrushDense low forest vegetation
- forest floorGround beneath trees
- deciduous forestTrees losing leaves annually
meadow · shaded · humid · microclimate · Upper Midwest
bloodsucker
Organism feeding on plasma
- ectoparasiteOrganism feeding on host externally
- blood mealDried, powdered animal protein
- engorgementOverfilling causing swelling
feeding · cement · anticoagulant · questing · infestation · embedded · attached
arachnid
Eight-legged wingless arthropod
- eight-leggedPossessing four pairs of limbs
- scutumRoman infantry shield
- palpsArthropod sensory appendages
mouthparts · engorged · unfed · sesame seed · poppy seed
egg
Reproductive cell in shell
molt · instar · overwinter · questing · dormancy · seasonal activity · spring · summer · population
transmission
Sending of information
bite · vector-borne · zoonosis · epidemiology · reservoir · infection cycle · disease spread · public health · endemic · outbreak
spirochete
Spiral-shaped bacterium
- bullseye rashCircular rash from tick-borne infection
- co-infectionConcurrent pathogen presence
- antibioticsBacteria-destroying medicines
doxycycline · joint pain · fatigue · neurological · Bell's palsy · carditis · arthritis · meningitis · serology · misdiagnosis
repellent
Causes strong aversion
- DEETInsect-repelling chemical compound
- permethrinSynthetic bug-killing compound
- removalAct of taking away
protective clothing · shower · dryer · awareness · avoidance
woodland
Forested land area
- leaf litterDecomposing ground debris
- underbrushDense low forest vegetation
- forest floorGround beneath trees
deciduous forest · meadow · shaded · humid · microclimate · Upper Midwest
deer tickmosquito
Blood-feeding flying pest
fly · ant · beetle · grasshopper · butterfly
deer tickwhite-tailed deer
Common American cervid species
host · human · deer · mouse · blood donor