Ixodes scapularis
Ixodes scapularis
Ixodes scapularis (pronounced ik-SOH-deez skap-yoo-LAIR-iss), commonly known as the black-legged tick or the deer tick, is a type of arthropod that is well-known for its role in transmitting Lyme disease.
Etymology
The name Ixodes scapularis comes from the Greek ixodes, meaning "sticky" or "gluey", and scapularis, a Latin term referring to the shoulder blade area. This is likely a reference to the tick's tendency to attach itself to hosts in areas where the skin is thin, such as near the shoulder blades.
Description
Ixodes scapularis is a small, dark tick, typically 3 to 5 mm in length. It is part of the Ixodidae family, which includes the largest group of hard ticks. The tick has a two-year life cycle, during which it passes through four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult.
Habitat and Distribution
Ixodes scapularis is primarily found in the northeastern and upper midwestern regions of the United States, but its range has been expanding in recent years. It prefers wooded and grassy habitats, where it waits on the tips of vegetation to latch onto passing hosts.
Medical Significance
Ixodes scapularis is the primary vector for Lyme disease in North America. It can also transmit other pathogens, including the bacteria that cause anaplasmosis and babesiosis, and the Powassan virus.
Prevention and Control
Prevention of Ixodes scapularis bites involves avoiding tick-infested areas, using insect repellents, and performing regular tick checks after being outdoors. If a tick is found, it should be removed promptly to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ixodes scapularis
- Wikipedia's article - Ixodes scapularis
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