What is the name of a dangerous tick? - briefly
The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is recognized as a hazardous species because it transmits several pathogens, including the agent of human ehrlichiosis and the alpha‑gal allergy. It is widespread across the eastern United States.
What is the name of a dangerous tick? - in detail
The most widely recognized hazardous tick in North America is the black‑legged tick, Ixodes scapularis. It is the primary vector of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and tick‑borne encephalitis in the northeastern and upper midwestern United States. Key identification traits include a reddish‑brown body, a dark scutum on the dorsal side, and a distinctive black “leg” on the hind‑leg segment. Adult females can ingest up to 500 µl of blood, increasing the probability of pathogen transmission after a 24‑hour attachment period.
Another significant species is the western black‑legged tick, Ixodes pacificus, prevalent along the Pacific coast. It transmits Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and western equine encephalitis. Morphologically similar to I. scapularis, it can be distinguished by a slightly shorter capitulum and a darker ventral surface.
The American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis, inhabits the eastern United States and parts of the Midwest. It serves as a vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever (caused by Rickettsia rickettsii) and tularemia. Identification features include a brown, ornate scutum with white markings and a mottled, gray‑white abdomen.
The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, is expanding its range into the southeastern and mid‑Atlantic United States. It spreads ehrlichiosis, Southern tick‑associated rash illness, and can induce an allergic reaction to red meat (alpha‑gal syndrome). Adult ticks possess a conspicuous white spot on the dorsal scutum, giving the species its common name.
In Eurasia, Ixodes ricinus (the castor bean tick) dominates forested regions of Europe and transmits Lyme disease, tick‑borne encephalitis, and anaplasmosis. It is identified by a reddish‑brown body, a dark scutum, and a relatively long mouthpart.
Desert and steppe environments host Hyalomma spp., especially Hyalomma marginatum. These ticks transmit Crimean‑Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and Theileria parasites. They are characterized by a large size, elongated mouthparts, and a patterned dorsal scutum with a series of light and dark bands.
Summary of dangerous tick species and associated pathogens
- Ixodes scapularis – Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, tick‑borne encephalitis
- Ixodes pacificus – Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, western equine encephalitis
- Dermacentor variabilis – Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia
- Amblyomma americanum – ehrlichiosis, Southern tick‑associated rash illness, alpha‑gal allergy
- Ixodes ricinus – Lyme disease, tick‑borne encephalitis, anaplasmosis
- Hyalomma marginatum – Crimean‑Congo hemorrhagic fever, Theileria spp.
Recognition of these species, awareness of their geographic distribution, and prompt removal within 24 hours substantially reduce the risk of severe tick‑borne illnesses.