What does a goose tick look like? - briefly
A goose tick is a small, oval arachnid about 2–5 mm long, with a dark brown to reddish‑brown dorsal shield and lighter, often paler, ventral surfaces; its legs are short and sturdy, giving it a compact appearance. The body is smooth, lacking noticeable patterns, and the mouthparts (hypostome) extend forward from the front of the body.
What does a goose tick look like? - in detail
A goose tick is a small arachnid, typically 2–4 mm long when unfed. The body consists of two main sections: a rounded anterior capitulum housing the mouthparts and a broader posterior idiosoma covered by a hardened dorsal shield (scutum). The scutum is brown to reddish‑brown, often with a fine pattern of lighter spots or a mottled texture that blends with the host’s feathers.
The legs are eight in total, each slender and jointed, extending outward from the sides of the idiosoma. Leg segments display alternating dark and light bands, and the tarsi end in tiny claws that grasp feather shafts. The eyes are absent; instead, the tick relies on sensory setae (hair‑like structures) on the front surface to detect heat and carbon dioxide.
When the tick feeds and becomes engorged, its size increases dramatically, reaching up to 10–12 mm. The abdomen expands, taking on a balloon‑like shape that appears pale or translucent compared to the darker scutum. The coloration may shift to a lighter tan or gray, and the skin becomes stretched, revealing visible internal structures such as the gut filled with blood.
Key visual traits:
- Unfed size: 2–4 mm, oval shape.
- Dorsal shield: brown, sometimes mottled.
- Legs: eight, banded, ending in tiny claws.
- Mouthparts: short, ventrally positioned, designed for piercing feather follicles.
- Engorged form: 10–12 mm, ballooned abdomen, pale translucent hue.
- Surface texture: fine setae covering the dorsal surface, aiding in sensory detection.
These characteristics enable identification of the species on waterfowl and distinguish it from other ectoparasites.