How long does an engorged tick live? - briefly
After completing a blood meal, an engorged tick usually survives 7–14 days before dying, with the exact duration depending on species and environmental conditions.
How long does an engorged tick live? - in detail
The period a tick survives after it has fully expanded with blood varies by species, sex, and environmental conditions.
Female Ixodes scapularis, the black‑legged tick common in North America, typically remains alive for 7–10 days after completing a blood meal. During this interval the tick drops off the host, finds a sheltered site, and deposits thousands of eggs. After oviposition, the adult female dies, completing its life cycle.
Dermacentor variabilis, the American dog tick, can persist for up to 14 days post‑engorgement. The extended duration reflects its larger body size and higher egg production; females often lay 2,000–5,000 eggs before death.
Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, shows a shorter post‑feeding lifespan, usually 5–8 days. Females lay 1,000–3,000 eggs and then die.
Male ticks generally die sooner because they do not engorge. After mating, males may survive only a few days, often less than 48 hours, as they lack the nutrient reserve needed for prolonged survival.
Key factors influencing the post‑feeding survival time:
- Temperature: Warm conditions (20‑30 °C) accelerate metabolism, shortening the interval to egg laying and death. Cooler temperatures (10‑15 °C) can prolong survival by slowing physiological processes.
- Humidity: Relative humidity above 80 % reduces desiccation risk, allowing the tick to remain viable longer. Low humidity can cause premature mortality.
- Host species and blood volume: Larger hosts provide more blood, enabling the tick to store greater energy reserves, which may extend the period before death.
- Tick health: Parasite load, injuries, and exposure to acaricides affect longevity after engorgement.
In summary, an engorged female tick lives long enough to locate a suitable microhabitat, lay her egg batch, and then dies. The typical window ranges from five to fourteen days, with species‑specific variations and environmental conditions modulating the exact duration. Male ticks, lacking engorgement, survive only a few days after mating.