What does a strawberry infested with a tick look like? - briefly
The strawberry displays tiny, dark, oval parasites clinging to its skin, usually near the stem, with the tick’s legs visible as minute protrusions. Adjacent berries may show slight bruising where the parasite has fed.
What does a strawberry infested with a tick look like? - in detail
A strawberry that has been invaded by a tick displays several distinct visual characteristics. The fruit’s surface may show a small, darkened area where the parasite has attached, often appearing as a minute, raised knot. This attachment point can be slightly sunken compared to the surrounding flesh and may exhibit a faint halo of discoloration, ranging from light brown to reddish‑purple, caused by the tick’s saliva and the plant’s localized response.
The tick itself is usually visible to the naked eye. Adult specimens measure roughly 3–5 mm in length, possessing a rounded, oval shape and a leathery, semi‑transparent exoskeleton. Their bodies are typically brown or reddish, with a distinct, darker dorsal shield (scutum) that contrasts against the lighter abdomen. When attached, the tick’s mouthparts pierce the strawberry’s skin, leaving a tiny puncture that can be mistaken for a natural blemish if the parasite is not observed directly.
Additional signs include:
- Slight softening of the fruit tissue surrounding the attachment site, indicating feeding activity.
- A faint, watery exudate or tiny droplet of blood‑tinged fluid near the puncture, resulting from the tick’s ingestion of plant fluids.
- Presence of a thin, silk‑like filament extending from the tick’s legs, used for anchorage.
- Possible secondary fungal growth or bacterial colonization in the area of tissue damage, manifesting as a white or grayish mold patch.
The overall appearance may be described as a normally colored strawberry with a localized, darker, raised spot containing a small, brown arachnid. The surrounding tissue may show subtle softening and discoloration, while the tick itself remains partially exposed, allowing identification without magnification.