How does a tick that bites a human look? - briefly
An engorged tick looks like a small, rounded, dark‑brown to grayish sphere that can swell to the size of a pea after feeding. Its mouthparts form a tiny, visible cap that anchors firmly to the skin.
How does a tick that bites a human look? - in detail
A feeding tick presents a markedly different appearance from its unfed state. The body expands to accommodate a blood meal, often increasing in length by two to three times. The dorsal surface becomes rounded and balloon‑like, while the ventral side flattens against the skin. Color shifts from a light tan or brown to a darker, sometimes gray‑black hue due to the ingested blood.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Size: Engorged females can reach 5–10 mm in length and 3–5 mm in width; males remain smaller, rarely exceeding 3 mm.
- Shape: The abdomen swells into a smooth, dome‑shaped capsule; the anterior capitulum (head) remains distinct and points forward.
- Mouthparts: The hypostome, a barbed feeding tube, protrudes slightly from the body’s front, often visible as a tiny, pale projection.
- Surface texture: The cuticle appears glossy and stretched, lacking the granular texture of an unfed tick.
- Attachment site: Common locations are warm, moist areas such as the scalp, armpits, groin, and behind knees. The tick’s legs grip the skin tightly, making removal difficult without proper tools.
After detachment, the tick’s abdomen may retain a partially engorged appearance for several hours before the cuticle contracts back toward its original size. Recognizing these features aids in prompt identification and appropriate removal.