How long does a tick live after feeding on blood? - briefly
Adult female ticks may endure for many months, often up to a year, after a single blood meal, whereas males and immature stages typically survive only weeks to a few months post‑feeding.
How long does a tick live after feeding on blood? - in detail
Ticks survive for a limited period after ingesting a blood meal, and the length of that interval depends on species, developmental stage, and environmental conditions.
Adult females of Ixodes scapularis, the black‑legged tick, typically live for 7–10 days after completing a full engorgement. During this time they digest the blood, develop eggs, and lay them before dying. Male Ixodes ticks, which feed only briefly, may persist for 2–4 days post‑attachment, as they do not require a large blood volume for reproduction.
Dermacentor variabilis, the American dog tick, shows a longer post‑feeding lifespan. Engorged females can remain alive for 10–14 days, using the extra time to produce several hundred eggs. Males usually detach within 1–2 days after a short feed.
Amblyomma americanum, the lone star tick, demonstrates the greatest variability. Engorged females may survive 12–18 days, especially in humid environments, while males often depart after 1–3 days.
Key factors influencing survival after a blood meal include:
- Temperature: Warm temperatures (20‑30 °C) accelerate metabolism, shortening the post‑feeding period; cooler conditions extend it.
- Humidity: Relative humidity above 80 % reduces desiccation risk, allowing ticks to remain alive longer.
- Host species: Blood from larger hosts provides more nutrients, potentially lengthening the reproductive phase.
- Stage of development: Nymphs generally survive fewer days after feeding (2–5 days) compared to adult females.
In summary, the post‑meal lifespan ranges from a few days for males and nymphs to up to three weeks for engorged females of certain species, with environmental humidity and temperature being the dominant modulators.