What does a tick look like on eyelashes? - briefly
A tick on an eyelash looks like a tiny, oval, dark brown or black parasite, similar in size to a small seed. It may be slightly raised, with its legs visible at the edges when viewed closely.
What does a tick look like on eyelashes? - in detail
A tick attached to an eyelash appears as a small, oval or rounded body, typically 2–5 mm in length before feeding. The dorsal surface is often brown, reddish‑brown, or dark gray, sometimes with a mottled pattern that blends with the surrounding hair. The ventral side, which contacts the skin, may be lighter in color and can become engorged, expanding to 8–10 mm or more as it fills with blood.
The creature’s legs are visible as six to eight short, pale legs extending from the front of the body. These legs are thin, jointed, and may appear translucent against the eyelash shaft. The mouthparts, called chelicerae, are located near the front and can be seen as a tiny, dark protrusion; they are used to pierce the skin and may be slightly raised.
When the tick is in an early feeding stage, its body is flat and the legs are more prominent. As engorgement progresses, the body becomes balloon‑like, the legs retract closer to the surface, and the overall shape becomes more rounded. The tick may be partially hidden beneath the eyelash, making it resemble a small, dark knot or a tick‑shaped bump among the lashes.
Typical signs accompanying the presence of a tick on eyelashes include localized redness, mild swelling, and occasional itching. In some cases, a small puncture wound may be visible at the base of the lash where the mouthparts entered the skin.
Key visual cues:
- Oval, brown‑to‑gray body, 2–10 mm depending on feeding stage
- Six to eight short, pale legs at the front
- Dark, protruding mouthparts near the front
- Rounded, engorged appearance as blood intake increases
- Partial concealment among lashes, resembling a dark knot
Recognizing these characteristics enables prompt removal and reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.