What does a house tick look like on the body? - briefly
A house tick is a tiny, flat, brownish‑gray oval that attaches to the skin, often appearing as a smooth speck. After feeding it swells into a larger, dome‑shaped, grayish mass, leaving a small puncture wound and mild redness at the attachment site.
What does a house tick look like on the body? - in detail
A house tick attached to the skin appears as a small, flattened, oval body that adheres tightly to the surface. The dorsal surface is usually brown to reddish‑brown, with a pale or creamy underside that may be visible through the translucent cuticle. When the tick first attaches, it measures about 2–3 mm in length; the ventral side is slightly larger than the dorsal side, giving a “shield” shape.
During feeding, the tick expands dramatically. After several hours, the abdomen swells to a round, balloon‑like shape that can reach 5–10 mm in diameter. The engorged form is smooth, glossy, and may appear bluish‑gray as it fills with blood. The legs, four in total, are short, stubby, and positioned near the front edge; they are often difficult to see once the tick is anchored.
Key visual indicators:
- Size progression: 2–3 mm (unfed) → 5–10 mm (engorged).
- Color: Light brown to reddish‑brown dorsally; pale ventrally; possible bluish‑gray hue when engorged.
- Shape: Flattened oval before feeding; rounded, balloon‑like after feeding.
- Texture: Smooth, slightly glossy surface; no visible hairs or scales.
- Leg placement: Four short legs near the anterior margin, often hidden under the body.
Life‑stage differences affect appearance. Larvae are translucent and less than 1 mm, resembling tiny specks. Nymphs are larger, brown, and lack the distinct engorged abdomen seen in adults. Only the adult stage exhibits the pronounced swelling that signals a blood meal in progress.
The tick’s mouthparts, called the capitulum, protrude forward and embed into the skin. They are not usually visible, but a tiny, dark puncture may be seen at the attachment point. If the tick is removed prematurely, the abdomen may appear contracted and the body may appear flattened again.
Observing these characteristics enables accurate identification and timely removal, reducing the risk of pathogen transmission.