Dermacentor variabilis

Dermacentor variabilis, also known as the American dog tick or Wood tick, is a species of tick that is known to carry diseases harmful to humans. The adult female is most often identified by her large size and silver-colored scutum or shield, while the male is smaller and darker in color.

Description

The Dermacentor variabilis tick is a three-host tick, which means it feeds on three different hosts during its lifecycle. The lifecycle stages are egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The larvae and nymphs typically feed on small mammals, while adults feed on larger hosts, such as dogs and humans.

Distribution

Dermacentor variabilis is widely distributed across the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of the Pacific coast. It is most commonly found in areas with little to no tree cover, such as grassy fields and along walkways and trails.

Disease Transmission

Dermacentor variabilis is a known vector of several diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Tularemia. It can also cause Tick paralysis in dogs and occasionally in humans.

Prevention and Control

Prevention of tick bites is the best way to avoid the diseases carried by Dermacentor variabilis. This can be achieved through the use of tick repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants when in tick-infested areas, and performing regular tick checks after being outdoors. If a tick is found, it should be removed promptly and properly to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

See Also

• Tick
• Tick-borne disease
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Tularemia
• Tick paralysis

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  Dermacentor variabilis, dorsal view
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  Dermacentor variabilis male
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  Life cycle of Dermacentor variabilis
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  American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis)