What else is a tick called? - briefly
A tick is also called a blood‑sucking arachnid, a parasite, or colloquially a mite. In medical terminology it is referred to as an ectoparasite.
What else is a tick called? - in detail
A tick, the arachnid that feeds on blood, is known by several alternative names across scientific literature, regional dialects, and colloquial usage. These designations often reflect the organism’s taxonomy, life stage, or the context in which it is encountered.
The most common synonyms include:
- Bloodsucker – informal term emphasizing the parasite’s feeding behavior.
- Mite – taxonomic classification; ticks belong to the subclass Acari, the same group that contains true mites.
- Hard tick – refers specifically to members of the family Ixodidae, which possess a rigid dorsal shield (scutum).
- Soft tick – denotes species of the family Argasidae, lacking a scutum and exhibiting a more flexible body.
- Deer tick – colloquial name for Ixodes scapularis, prevalent in North America and a primary vector of Lyme disease.
- Dog tick – common name for Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor reticulatus (European dog tick).
- Cattle tick – used for Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, a major pest of livestock.
- Louse tick – applies to members of the genus Hyalomma, often associated with birds and mammals in arid regions.
In scientific contexts, the term “acarid” may appear when discussing broader characteristics of the group that includes ticks and mites. Historical texts sometimes employ “gall” or “gall tick” to describe the engorged, swollen appearance of a fed individual.
Understanding these various labels assists in accurate communication among entomologists, veterinarians, public‑health officials, and laypersons, ensuring that information about disease transmission, control measures, and ecological impact is correctly conveyed.