What does a sucked-in tick look like? - briefly
An engorged tick looks markedly swollen, its abdomen expanded to a balloon‑like shape and often changing from dark brown to a gray‑blue color, with legs tucked close to the body and the mouthparts visible at the front. Its size can increase several times, sometimes reaching the length of a small grape.
What does a sucked-in tick look like? - in detail
An engorged tick presents a markedly altered morphology compared to its unfed stage. The abdomen expands to a rounded, balloon‑like form, often exceeding the length of the head by several times. The dorsal surface becomes smooth and glossy, losing the distinct scutum that characterizes unfed specimens. Color shifts from reddish‑brown or gray to a deep, almost black hue as the blood fills the body. Legs remain visible but appear shortened relative to the swollen abdomen, and their joints may be obscured by the expanded cuticle. Mouthparts, including the capitulum, protrude forward and can be seen as a small, dark point at the anterior end. The overall size can reach 10–12 mm in length for adult females, while males rarely achieve such expansion. Key visual cues include:
- Rounded, balloon‑shaped abdomen
- Glossy, darkened dorsal surface
- Reduced visibility of the scutum
- Shortened, partially hidden legs
- Prominent anterior mouthparts
These characteristics allow rapid identification of a tick that has completed a blood meal.