What does the Crimean tick look like? - briefly
The Crimean tick is a small, oval arachnid measuring roughly 3–5 mm, featuring a reddish‑brown dorsal scutum, a lighter ventral side, and legs covered with fine hairs.
What does the Crimean tick look like? - in detail
The Crimean tick, Dermacentor marginatus, is a medium‑large ixodid measuring 4–6 mm when unfed; females expand to 8–10 mm after engorgement. Its dorsal shield (scutum) is dark brown to black, often with a lighter, irregular pattern that may include pale patches or a mottled appearance. The anterior edge of the scutum bears a distinct, narrow pale band, while the posterior margin may exhibit faint, longitudinal stripes.
The body surface is covered with fine, short setae giving a slightly velvety texture. Legs are relatively long, each bearing three pairs of coxal spurs; the coxae display a pale, crescent‑shaped band that contrasts with the darker leg segments. The mouthparts, especially the hypostome, are conspicuously elongated and serrated, facilitating deep attachment to hosts.
Key visual markers include:
- A rectangular to oval scutum with a dark base color and lighter peripheral markings.
- A pale, crescent‑shaped band on each coxa.
- Long, slender legs with noticeable spurs near the base.
- Post‑engorgement swelling that creates a markedly distended, semi‑transparent abdomen.
The ventral side is lighter, typically pale brown to off‑white, with visible spiracular plates near the posterior. When fully engorged, the tick’s coloration may shift to a more reddish‑brown hue, and the abdomen becomes markedly rounded, often covering the dorsal shield. These characteristics enable reliable identification in field and laboratory settings.