What is a small tick called? - briefly
A juvenile tick is referred to as a nymph, the stage that follows the larval “seed‑tick” phase and precedes adulthood.
What is a small tick called? - in detail
A tick’s developmental sequence includes egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The designation for a very small tick corresponds to the larval stage, commonly called a “seed tick.” This form measures roughly 0.5 mm in length, lacks visible eyes, and possesses six legs instead of the eight found on later stages.
The next immature phase is the nymph, which is larger than the seed tick but still considerably smaller than an adult. Nymphs typically range from 1 mm to 2 mm, retain six legs, and begin to develop the characteristic scutum and mouthparts of the adult.
Key characteristics that differentiate the two small stages are:
- Leg count: six legs in both larva and nymph, contrasting with eight in adults.
- Size: larva ≈ 0.5 mm; nymph ≈ 1–2 mm.
- Morphology: larvae lack a scutum; nymphs exhibit a partially formed scutum.
- Feeding status: larvae emerge unfed; nymphs have completed one blood meal.
Adult ticks, identified as male or female, possess eight legs and measure up to 5 mm or more, depending on species. The term “seed tick” therefore precisely describes the smallest, newly hatched stage, while “nymph” refers to the subsequent, slightly larger immature form.