How does a dried tick look? - briefly
A dried tick looks flattened, brown or gray, with a leathery, shrunken body and legs curled inward. Its mouthparts remain visible as a tiny, dark protrusion at the front.
How does a dried tick look? - in detail
A desiccated tick presents a markedly altered form compared to its engorged state. The exoskeleton becomes rigid, taking on a flattened, leathery texture that facilitates preservation. Color shifts toward a uniform brown‑gray or amber hue; any previous red or pink tones from blood are absent. The body segments—prosoma (front) and idiosoma (rear)—remain visible, though the distinction between them may be less pronounced due to shrinkage.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Size reduction: overall length decreases by 30‑50 % as internal fluids evaporate.
- Surface texture: cuticle appears matte and slightly cracked, especially along the dorsal shield (scutum) in adult females.
- Legs: appendages retain their jointed structure but become brittle and may curl inward; the coloration matches the body.
- Mouthparts: the hypostome and palps stay protruding, often appearing darker and more defined against the lighter surrounding cuticle.
- Eyes and sensory pits: still discernible as tiny, pale spots on the dorsal surface.
Internally, the tick lacks visible organs; the abdomen is empty, giving a hollow impression when viewed from the ventral side. The overall silhouette is oval, with a slightly tapered rear, and the dried specimen can be easily mistaken for a small, hardened grain or seed if not examined closely.