What does a tick that has fed on an animal look like? - briefly
An engorged tick appears markedly enlarged, with a rounded, swollen abdomen that often turns a pale gray‑brown color, while its legs remain visible and the body surface looks stretched and glossy. The size increase can be several times the unfed stage, making the tick easily distinguishable from a flat, unfed specimen.
What does a tick that has fed on an animal look like? - in detail
An engorged tick displays a dramatic increase in volume, often becoming three to five times its unfed size. The body swells into a rounded, balloon‑like shape, with the dorsal shield (scutum) remaining relatively unchanged while the surrounding cuticle stretches to accommodate the blood meal.
The abdomen expands outward, forming a noticeable bulge that can dominate the entire dorsal surface. This engorgement produces a smooth, glossy appearance; the cuticle may appear translucent, allowing the underlying blood to be seen as a reddish‑brown hue. In many species, the coloration shifts from a light brown or tan in the unfed state to a deep, almost black shade after feeding.
Key visual indicators include:
- Body length: typically ranges from 5 mm to over 12 mm, depending on species and duration of feeding.
- Width: the ratio of width to length increases, giving the tick a more oval silhouette.
- Leg positioning: legs may be splayed outward or appear tucked beneath the expanded abdomen, often obscured by the swollen cuticle.
- Mouthparts: the capitulum remains visible at the anterior end, sometimes protruding slightly as the tick contracts muscles to maintain attachment.
- Surface texture: the dorsal surface becomes smoother, with fewer visible setae or ornamentation compared to the unfed stage.
When detached, the tick may retain a soft, pliable consistency, and the cuticle can feel moist due to the residual blood. These characteristics collectively distinguish a fed tick from its flat, lighter‑colored, unfed counterpart.