What is the striped tick called? - briefly
The striped tick is commonly known as the American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis. It is identified by a pale dorsal stripe running along its back.
What is the striped tick called? - in detail
The tick displaying a distinct longitudinal white band on its dorsal scutum is identified as Dermacentor variabilis, commonly referred to as the American dog tick.
Morphology
- Body length 2–5 mm after feeding; dark brown to reddish‑brown coloration.
- Scutum bears a single, broad, white stripe extending from the anterior margin toward the posterior.
- Legs bear elongated palpi and sensory setae.
Geographic distribution
- Predominantly eastern and central United States, extending into southern Canada.
- Habitats include grassy fields, forest edges, and suburban lawns where host mammals frequent.
Host range and feeding behavior
- Larvae and nymphs feed on small mammals (e.g., rodents) and birds.
- Adults prefer medium‑sized mammals such as dogs, coyotes, and humans.
- Blood meals last several days; engorgement results in noticeable abdominal expansion.
Medical relevance
- Vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, the causative agent of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
- Capable of transmitting Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) and Francisella tularensis (tularemia).
- Prompt removal reduces risk of pathogen transmission; antiseptic treatment of the bite site is recommended.
Life cycle
- Egg → larva (three‑host cycle).
- Larva molts to nymph after blood meal.
- Nymph molts to adult following second blood meal.
- Adult females lay thousands of eggs after final engorgement.
Identification keys emphasize the single dorsal stripe, leg segmentation, and host association, distinguishing Dermacentor variabilis from other ixodid species lacking this pattern.