What do fluffy ticks look like? - briefly
Fluffy ticks are small, brown arachnids whose bodies are covered with fine, hair‑like setae that give a soft, velvety texture. The dense setae on the dorsal side create a feathery appearance that sets them apart from smooth‑bodied species.
What do fluffy ticks look like? - in detail
Fluffy ticks are small arachnids, typically measuring 2–5 mm in length when unfed. Their bodies are covered with dense, hair‑like setae that give a soft, velvety appearance. The setae are usually pale cream or light brown, contrasting with a darker, leathery scutum on the dorsal surface. The scutum may display faint mottling or subtle striping, especially in adult females.
Key visual features include:
- Setae density: Uniformly dense across the abdomen and legs, creating a “fuzzy” silhouette.
- Color palette: Light‑tan or off‑white setae; darker brown to black scutum; occasional reddish‑brown hue on the ventral side.
- Leg morphology: Six legs, each bearing fine hairs that extend beyond the joints, enhancing the overall fluffiness.
- Mouthparts: Visible capitulum (head) with a short, blunt hypostome; not prominent due to surrounding setae.
- Engorgement change: After feeding, the body expands up to tenfold; setae remain visible but appear stretched over a swollen, glossy abdomen.
In immature stages (larvae and nymphs), the setae are shorter and less dense, giving a smoother look. Adult males often have a narrower scutum and may exhibit a slightly darker hue on the dorsal side. The combination of hair‑like covering, muted coloration, and compact size distinguishes fluffy ticks from other tick species that possess smoother exoskeletons.