What is the mouthpart of a tick called? - briefly
The tick’s feeding apparatus is called the capitulum, comprising the hypostome, chelicerae and palps. This structure allows the parasite to pierce host skin and draw blood.
What is the mouthpart of a tick called? - in detail
The feeding organ of a tick is a specialized structure called the capitulum. It is a compact assembly located at the anterior end of the body and functions as a piercing‑sucking apparatus.
The capitulum consists of four main components:
- Hypostome – a barbed, serrated rod that anchors the tick to the host’s skin and facilitates blood intake.
- Chelicerae – a pair of sharp, blade‑like structures that cut through the epidermis, creating an entry channel for the hypostome.
- Palps – sensory appendages that detect chemical cues and assist in positioning the hypostome.
- Hypopharynx – a narrow tube that delivers saliva containing anticoagulants and immunomodulatory compounds into the wound.
Together these elements form a rigid, tube‑like conduit through which the tick draws blood. The hypostome’s backward‑pointing teeth prevent premature detachment, while the chelicerae’s cutting action initiates attachment. Saliva introduced via the hypopharynx maintains blood flow and suppresses host defenses.
The capitulum is protected by a dorsal shield called the scutum in hard ticks, and by a flexible cuticle in soft ticks. This protective covering allows the feeding apparatus to remain functional throughout the extended attachment period, which can last from several days to weeks depending on the species and life stage.