What is the red‑colored tick? - briefly
The red‑colored tick, identified as «Dermacentor variabilis», is a hard‑bodied arachnid that feeds on the blood of mammals and occasionally birds. It is prevalent in North America and can transmit pathogens such as the agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
What is the red‑colored tick? - in detail
The red‑colored tick is a hematophagous arachnid belonging to the family Ixodidae. Its scientific designation is Ixodes ricinus var. rubra, a melanic variant of the common castor bean tick. The organism exhibits a dark brown to crimson dorsal shield (scutum) and a bright orange‑red ventral surface, distinguishing it from lighter‑colored conspecifics.
Morphology includes a flattened body measuring 2–3 mm when unfed and expanding to 6–10 mm after engorgement. Six legs are present on the nymphal and adult stages, each bearing sensory setae for host detection. The mouthparts consist of a hypostome equipped with backward‑pointing barbs, enabling secure attachment to mammalian, avian, or reptilian hosts.
Habitat preferences encompass deciduous and mixed forests with abundant leaf litter, where humidity remains above 80 % and temperatures range from 7 °C to 25 °C. Seasonal activity peaks in spring and early autumn, coinciding with host movement patterns. Altitudinal distribution extends to 1,500 m above sea level in temperate regions of Europe and western Asia.
Health implications arise from the tick’s capacity to transmit pathogens. Notable agents include:
- Borrelia burgdorferi complex – causative factor of Lyme disease;
- Anaplasma phagocytophilum – responsible for human granulocytic anaplasmosis;
- Rickettsia spp. – agents of spotted fever group rickettsioses;
- Babesia spp. – protozoan parasites causing babesiosis.
Transmission occurs during prolonged feeding, typically exceeding 24 hours. Early removal reduces infection risk, as pathogen migration into the host bloodstream generally requires several days of attachment.
Control measures focus on environmental management and personal protection:
- Regular mowing of grass and removal of leaf litter to lower microhabitat suitability;
- Application of acaricides to high‑risk zones, following integrated pest management guidelines;
- Use of permethrin‑treated clothing and tick‑repellent formulations containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin;
- Routine inspection of body surfaces after outdoor activities, with prompt removal of attached specimens using fine‑tipped tweezers, grasping the tick close to the skin and pulling steadily upward.
Public awareness campaigns emphasize accurate identification of the red‑colored tick, recognition of early disease symptoms, and adherence to preventive practices to mitigate vector‑borne health threats.