What do moose ticks look like? - briefly
Moose ticks are small, reddish‑brown arachnids about 2–4 mm long, with a flattened, oval body and a dark dorsal shield. After feeding, females expand to a pale, leathery form up to 10 mm in length.
What do moose ticks look like? - in detail
Moose‑infesting ticks are typically members of the genus Ixodes, especially Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes pacificus in North America. Adult specimens measure 3–5 mm when unfed; after a blood meal they expand to 5–8 mm. The dorsal surface is a smooth, oval shield (scutum) that is dark brown to reddish‑brown, often with faint lighter markings along the edges. The ventral side is lighter, almost pale yellow, and may show a faint dark line running longitudinally. Legs are long, slender, and reddish, with each segment clearly visible; the first pair is longer than the others, aiding in host attachment.
Key identifying characteristics:
- Body shape: flat, oval, and slightly elongated; the scutum covers only the anterior half of the adult female, leaving the posterior abdomen flexible for expansion.
- Mouthparts: short, projecting forward, forming a spear‑like hypostome with rows of backward‑pointing barbs.
- Eyes: two small pigmented spots located on the dorsal surface near the scutum’s edge.
- Sensory organs: a pair of dorsal sensory plates (porose areas) and a pair of ventral spiracles for respiration.
- Color variation: unfed ticks appear darker; engorged individuals become markedly swollen, taking on a bluish‑gray hue as they fill with blood.
Larval and nymph stages differ in size and scutum coverage. Larvae are about 0.5 mm, translucent with a pale brownish‑gray coloration and lack a distinct scutum. Nymphs range from 1–2 mm, exhibit a reddish‑brown color, and possess a partial scutum that does not cover the entire dorsal surface.
On moose, these parasites preferentially attach to areas with thin hair and abundant blood flow, such as the ears, neck, behind the knees, and the genital region. The attachment site often shows a small, raised, reddish bump that may become inflamed if the tick remains attached for several days.
Overall, the combination of size, coloration, scutum pattern, elongated legs, and characteristic mouthparts distinguishes moose‑associated ticks from other arthropods commonly found on large mammals.