How does a tick that lives in a bed look? - briefly
«A bed‑dwelling tick appears as a tiny, oval arachnid, typically reddish‑brown when unfed and expanding to a pale, balloon‑like shape after ingesting blood». It measures about 2–5 mm in length, has six legs in the adult stage, and possesses a smooth, hardened dorsal surface.
How does a tick that lives in a bed look? - in detail
A bed‑dwelling arachnid presents a compact, oval body measuring 2–5 mm in length when unfed. The dorsal shield (scutum) is smooth, typically reddish‑brown to dark brown, with a slightly lighter posterior edge. Four pairs of legs extend from the ventral side, each leg ending in a small claw that can cling to fabric fibers.
Key visual traits include:
- Flattened, rounded dorsal surface that becomes noticeably convex after a blood meal.
- Distinctive mouthparts (capitulum) projecting forward, equipped with piercing chelicerae.
- Segmented abdomen visible beneath the scutum, often showing a pale, translucent hue when engorged.
- Pair of small, dark eyes situated near the anterior margin, rarely discernible without magnification.
When attached to a mattress, the tick may appear as a dark speck embedded in seams or creases. After feeding, the abdomen expands up to ten times its original size, turning a bright, bluish‑gray and becoming more opaque. The exoskeleton remains glossy, reflecting light at certain angles, which can aid identification against woven textiles.
The overall silhouette remains symmetrical, with the legs folded close to the body when stationary. The combination of size, coloration, and engorged shape distinguishes the organism from common dust mites or fabric debris.