How does a tick look on Alice? - briefly
A tick attached to Alice appears as a small, oval, dark‑brown parasite that swells into a pale, engorged shape after feeding. The organism is typically visible on the scalp or behind the ears, with legs protruding from its rear.
How does a tick look on Alice? - in detail
A tick attached to a human host presents a compact, oval body measuring 2–5 mm when unfed. The dorsal surface is brown to reddish‑brown, covered with fine hairs that give a slightly fuzzy appearance. The ventral side, hidden beneath the host’s skin, shows a lighter coloration and the mouthparts protruding forward.
When the parasite begins to feed, its abdomen expands dramatically, reaching up to 10 mm in length. The engorged form appears balloon‑like, with a glossy, pale‑yellow hue. The legs, four pairs in total, remain visible around the periphery, each ending in small claws that grip the surrounding hair.
Key visual indicators of attachment include:
- A clear, raised bump at the site of insertion, often surrounded by a faint reddish ring.
- Presence of a small, darkened capitulum (mouthpart) projecting from the skin surface.
- Gradual swelling of the tick’s body over several hours, indicating blood intake.
The tick’s position on the host’s body influences its visibility. On areas with dense hair, such as the scalp, the parasite may be partially concealed, requiring close inspection. On smoother skin, like the neck or armpits, the engorged tick is readily observable as a smooth, raised nodule.
The combined characteristics—size, color change, abdominal expansion, and the distinctive mouthpart—provide a comprehensive visual profile of the parasite when it is attached to a person.