What does a close‑up photo of a forest encephalitic tick look like? - briefly
A close‑up image shows a tiny, dark‑brown arachnid about 2–3 mm long, with a flattened, oval body divided into a hard dorsal shield (scutum) and a softer ventral region; eight legs extend from the underside, and the capitulum with its barbed hypostome is clearly visible.
What does a close‑up photo of a forest encephalitic tick look like? - in detail
A macro photograph of a tick responsible for forest‑borne encephalitis reveals a compact, oval body measuring roughly 2–3 mm when unfed. The dorsal surface displays a dark brown to black exoskeleton, smooth in the anterior region and bearing fine, raised scutum that covers roughly half of the back. The scutum’s texture appears slightly glossy, with a subtle pattern of microscopic punctures visible under high magnification.
The anterior mouthparts, or capitulum, protrude forward and are clearly defined. The chelicerae appear as slender, pale‑colored appendages, while the hypostome – the barbed feeding organ – shows a series of minute, evenly spaced hooks. Beneath the scutum, the opisthosoma (abdomen) is lighter in color, often a pale tan, and may exhibit faint, irregular striations.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Six legs positioned symmetrically, each ending in tiny claws that cling to the host’s skin.
- A pair of sensory organs (palps) extending laterally from the capitulum, appearing as short, band‑like structures.
- Minute setae (hair‑like structures) scattered across the body, giving a slightly fuzzy appearance under magnification.
- A distinct, rounded posterior margin of the abdomen, sometimes showing a faint, translucent edge.
The image typically employs a shallow depth of field, emphasizing the scutum and mouthparts while rendering the surrounding background softly blurred. Lighting is often diffused to minimize glare on the glossy exoskeleton, allowing fine anatomical details to be captured without harsh shadows.