How many legs does a tick larva have? - briefly
A tick larva has six legs. This six‑legged configuration is characteristic of the larval stage of arachnids.
How many legs does a tick larva have? - in detail
A tick larva possesses six legs. This is the only stage in the tick life cycle with a tritonymph (three‑pair) leg arrangement; all later stages—nymph and adult—have eight legs (four pairs).
The six‑leg configuration results from the larva’s developmental origin. Larvae hatch from eggs as unfed, six‑legged organisms. Their body plan includes a gnathosoma (mouthparts) and a relatively simple idiosoma (body) that lacks the additional leg pairs found in subsequent stages. The three pairs are attached to the dorsal side of the idiosoma and are fully functional for locomotion and host attachment.
During the molt to the nymphal stage, two additional leg pairs develop, bringing the total to eight. This morphological change is regulated by hormonal cues, primarily ecdysteroids, which trigger the synthesis of new cuticle and appendages. The adult stage retains these eight legs, which are essential for prolonged attachment to hosts and for reproductive activities.
Key points:
- Larval stage: 6 legs (3 pairs)
- Nymphal stage: 8 legs (4 pairs)
- Adult stage: 8 legs (4 pairs)
The six‑legged larval form is a diagnostic characteristic used in taxonomic identification and in distinguishing immature ticks from other arachnids that consistently have eight legs throughout their life cycles.