What does a tick that bit look like? - briefly
A feeding tick looks like a tiny, round, gray‑brown bump about the size of a pea, often resembling a speck of dirt on the skin. It may be slightly raised, with a smooth surface and a small puncture mark where its mouthparts entered.
What does a tick that bit look like? - in detail
A tick that has attached to a host undergoes visible changes that signal its feeding stage.
The body expands from a flat, oval shape (approximately 2–5 mm in length) to a swollen, balloon‑like form that can reach 8–10 mm. The abdomen becomes engorged, often appearing reddish or pinkish, while the dorsal shield (scutum) remains a darker brown or black, creating a distinct contrast. The mouthparts, visible at the anterior edge, are still protruding from the skin and may appear as tiny, pale hooks.
Key characteristics of an attached, feeding tick:
- Size increase – length roughly doubles; width expands markedly.
- Color shift – abdomen turns from pale beige to deep red or dark brown, depending on the blood meal.
- Shape alteration – from a flat, oval silhouette to a rounded, dome‑shaped profile.
- Visible capitulum – the feeding apparatus remains exposed, often appearing as a small, pale structure at the front.
- Surface texture – engorged ticks feel softer and more pliable than unfed specimens, which are hard and rigid.
These visual cues help distinguish a feeding tick from a non‑feeding one and indicate that the insect is actively extracting blood. Recognizing these signs is essential for timely removal and prevention of disease transmission.