What does a subcutaneous tick feed on? - briefly
A subcutaneous tick obtains nutrients by piercing the host’s skin and sucking blood, occasionally ingesting interstitial fluid. Its diet consists almost exclusively of the host’s circulating blood.
What does a subcutaneous tick feed on? - in detail
A subcutaneous tick extracts nourishment directly from the host’s circulatory system. After embedding its mouthparts beneath the skin, the parasite creates a small feeding cavity that connects to capillaries. Blood flows into this cavity, providing the primary source of energy and protein required for growth and reproduction.
Key components of the intake include:
- Erythrocytes: supply hemoglobin and iron, essential for metabolic processes.
- Plasma proteins: such as albumin and globulins, support tissue development.
- Platelets and clotting factors: are suppressed by tick saliva, preventing coagulation.
- Nutrients dissolved in plasma: glucose, amino acids, and lipids are readily absorbed across the tick’s gut epithelium.
The tick’s salivary glands secrete a complex cocktail of bioactive molecules that facilitate feeding. Anticoagulants (e.g., apyrase) inhibit platelet aggregation, while vasodilators expand local blood vessels, increasing flow. Immunomodulatory proteins reduce host inflammatory responses, allowing prolonged attachment without detection.
During the feeding period, which may last from several days to over a week depending on the tick species and developmental stage, the parasite continuously ingests blood. The volume taken can be several times the tick’s body weight, enabling rapid engorgement. After detachment, the tick stores the acquired blood in its midgut, where digestive enzymes break down proteins and lipids for assimilation.
In summary, a subcutaneous tick’s diet consists exclusively of host blood, comprising cellular elements, plasma constituents, and dissolved nutrients, all accessed through a specialized feeding apparatus supported by salivary secretions that prevent clotting and immune activation.