What are tick teeth called? - briefly
Ticks have a pair of mouthparts known as chelicerae, which function like tiny jaws. The barbed, tooth‑like structure used for anchoring is called the hypostome.
What are tick teeth called? - in detail
Ticks possess a set of hardened projections on the ventral surface of the feeding apparatus. These projections are collectively referred to as the hypostome, and the individual serrations are called hypostomal teeth. The hypostome is a barbed, cone‑shaped structure that anchors the parasite to the host’s skin while it ingests blood. Adjacent to the hypostome are the chelicerae, which act as cutting tools, and the palps, which serve a sensory function.
- Hypostome – main anchoring organ; bears rows of backward‑pointing teeth.
- Hypostomal teeth – small, chitinous spikes arranged in concentric rings; provide grip.
- Chelicerae – paired, pincer‑like elements that tear the epidermis.
- Palps – sensory appendages that locate the feeding site.
The morphology of the hypostomal teeth varies among tick families. Hard ticks (Ixodidae) exhibit a well‑developed, densely serrated hypostome with up to eight concentric rows of teeth, enabling prolonged attachment. Soft ticks (Argasidae) have a reduced hypostome with fewer, less pronounced teeth, reflecting their shorter feeding periods. Some species possess additional denticles on the chelicerae that assist in tissue penetration.
Functionally, the hypostomal teeth interlock with host tissue fibers, preventing detachment during the blood‑meal. Their barbed arrangement creates a one‑way lock: the teeth allow insertion but resist removal, reducing the likelihood of host grooming. The cheliceral tips, often sharpened, initiate the lesion, while the palps guide the apparatus toward a suitable capillary.
In summary, the term applied to the “tick teeth” is hypostomal teeth, located on the hypostome of the mouthpart complex, and they work together with chelicerae and palps to secure feeding and facilitate blood intake.