What is the name of a tick with a red rear end? - briefly
The species is the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis, which is characterized by a reddish posterior segment.
What is the name of a tick with a red rear end? - in detail
The species commonly identified by a conspicuously red posterior is the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis.
Adult females display a brown‑black dorsal shield (scutum) marked with white‑gray mottling, while the ventral side near the anus is a vivid reddish‑orange. Males are smaller, have a darker scutum, and share the same posterior coloration.
Key identification characteristics:
- Size: females 4–5 mm (unfed), males 3–4 mm.
- Dorsal pattern: ornate, irregular white spots on a dark background.
- Posterior: bright red anal region, often the most noticeable feature.
- Legs: long, robust, each bearing a pair of claws.
Geographic range includes most of the United States and southern Canada, preferring open fields, forest edges, and residential yards where small mammals and dogs are present.
Life cycle: egg → larva (six‑legged) → nymph (eight‑legged) → adult. Each stage seeks a blood meal, typically from rodents, rabbits, or dogs.
Medical relevance: the tick is a vector for Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever), Rickettsia spp. causing boutonneuse fever, and can transmit canine babesiosis. Prompt removal reduces infection risk.
Distinguishing from similar ticks:
- The lone‑star tick (Amblyomma americanum) lacks the red posterior and shows a single white spot on the female’s back.
- The black‑legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) is smaller, uniformly dark, and has no red anal area.
Recognition of the red rear end, combined with the ornate scutum and habitat, reliably points to Dermacentor variabilis.