What does a tick look like on the ear? - briefly
A tick attached to the ear appears as a tiny, round, dark‑brown or black spot that may swell and become a raised, engorged nodule after feeding. It is firmly anchored to the skin, often resembling a small bump or blister.
What does a tick look like on the ear? - in detail
A tick attached to the ear presents as a small, oval‑shaped parasite that may be difficult to see at first glance. The organism’s body consists of several distinct regions:
- Capitulum (mouthparts): Positioned at the front, the capitulum penetrates the skin and appears as a tiny, dark point or black dot. When the tick is freshly attached, the mouthparts are usually visible only under magnification.
- Scutum (shield): A hard plate covering the dorsal surface of unfed ticks. In the nymphal stage it is light brown; in adults it may be darker, ranging from reddish‑brown to black. The scutum is smooth, without noticeable ridges.
- Legs: Eight legs extend from the ventral side, each about 1 mm long in nymphs and up to 2 mm in adults. The legs are pale, translucent, and may be partially obscured by hair or debris.
- Body coloration: Unengorged ticks display a uniform shade that blends with the surrounding skin—typically tan to brown. After several days of feeding, the abdomen expands dramatically, turning a bluish‑gray or reddish hue as it fills with blood.
- Abdomen shape: In a fed state the abdomen becomes balloon‑like, often protruding beyond the ear’s edge. The expansion may cause the surrounding skin to appear stretched, reddened, or irritated.
Additional visual cues include:
- Attachment site: Ticks favor the soft, hair‑covered region behind the ear lobe, where the skin is thin. The attachment point may be slightly raised, forming a small bump.
- Skin reaction: Localized erythema or a pale halo may surround the tick. In some cases, a thin, clear fluid exudes from the attachment site.
- Movement: Live ticks may shift slightly, especially when unfed, but after engorgement they become relatively immobile.
Identifying these characteristics enables accurate recognition of a tick on the ear and informs prompt removal.