What does a berry tick look like? - briefly
A berry tick is a tiny, reddish‑brown arachnid about 2–4 mm long, with an oval, smooth dorsal shield and short, pale legs that appear almost translucent. Females have a fully covering scutum, while males show a partially exposed dorsal surface.
What does a berry tick look like? - in detail
A berry tick is a small arachnid, typically measuring 2–3 mm when unfed. Its body consists of two distinct sections: a forward‑positioned capitulum (head) and a larger, oval idiosoma (abdomen). The capitulum bears a pair of elongated chelicerae and a small mouthpart cluster, giving the front end a pointed appearance.
The dorsal surface of the idiosoma is covered with fine, short setae that impart a velvety texture. Coloration ranges from reddish‑brown to dark brown, often with a slight glossy sheen. In engorged females, the abdomen expands dramatically, reaching up to 5 mm and adopting a deep, almost black hue.
Legs are six in number, each slender and jointed, extending laterally from the anterior region of the idiosoma. The legs end in tiny claws that facilitate attachment to host vegetation. When viewed from above, the tick’s silhouette resembles a miniature, elongated oval with a narrowed anterior tip.
Key identification markers include:
- Pair of palps longer than the chelicerae, positioned laterally on the capitulum.
- Absence of a scutum (hard shield) on the dorsal surface, distinguishing it from many hard‑tick species.
- Presence of a distinct, slightly raised posterior margin on the idiosoma, forming a subtle ridge.
These characteristics enable reliable recognition of the berry tick in field surveys and laboratory examinations.