How to identify a tick on strawberry by photo? - briefly
Inspect the fruit photo for minute, dark, oval‑shaped lesions 1–3 mm in length, often surrounded by a faint halo or tissue distortion, and compare these features with verified tick images. Matching morphology and size confirms the presence of a tick.
How to identify a tick on strawberry by photo? - in detail
When examining a strawberry image for the presence of a tick, focus on the following visual cues.
- Body shape: Ticks have a rounded, oval body that tapers slightly at the rear. The dorsal shield (scutum) is typically smooth and may show a distinct pattern of darker spots or a uniform brown‑gray hue.
- Size reference: Adult ticks range from 2 mm to 6 mm in length. Include a known object (e.g., a coin) in the frame to provide scale.
- Appendages: Look for eight legs on the anterior half of the body. Legs are short, stubby, and may be partially hidden by the scutum.
- Location on fruit: Ticks attach near the stem or calyx, where the skin is softer. They are less common on the smooth surface of the berry itself.
- Feeding marks: Small, pale, circular lesions around the attachment site often indicate blood extraction. The surrounding tissue may appear slightly swollen or discolored.
To capture reliable photographic evidence, follow these guidelines:
- Lighting: Use diffused natural light or a softbox to eliminate harsh shadows that can obscure body details.
- Magnification: Employ a macro lens or a close‑up attachment to achieve at least 1:1 magnification, revealing leg placement and scutum texture.
- Focus and depth of field: Set a narrow aperture (f/8‑f/11) to keep the entire tick in sharp focus while maintaining a clear background.
- Orientation: Photograph the specimen from multiple angles—top, side, and a slight tilt—to display the full morphology.
Compare the observed characteristics with images of common strawberry pests. Spider mites appear as tiny, translucent specks and lack a scutum. Aphids are soft‑bodied, elongated, and possess cornicles. Thrips are slender, with fringed wings, not the robust oval shape of a tick.
If the examined features align with the tick description—rounded scutum, eight front legs, appropriate size, and attachment signs—the photograph provides sufficient evidence for identification. Further confirmation can be obtained by consulting entomological keys or sending the image to a plant pathology laboratory.