Where is the tick larva located? - briefly
«Tick larva» attaches to the host’s skin, most often in warm, sheltered regions such as the scalp, behind the ears, under the arms, and in the groin. These sites provide optimal humidity and protection during the early feeding stage.
Where is the tick larva located? - in detail
The larval stage of ixodid ticks occupies two primary environments: the external surface of a vertebrate host and the micro‑habitat surrounding the host’s dwelling place. On the host, larvae attach to areas with thin skin, minimal hair density, and warm microclimates. Typical attachment sites include the scalp, ears, neck, axillary folds, groin, and the inner thigh region. These locations provide easy access to blood vessels while offering protection from grooming and environmental exposure.
In the off‑host environment, larvae reside in leaf litter, low vegetation, and the upper layer of the soil where humidity remains high (≥80 %). The micro‑climate maintains temperatures between 10 °C and 25 °C, conditions essential for survival and questing behavior. Larvae ascend vegetation to a height of 10–30 cm, extending their forelegs to detect host‑borne carbon dioxide and heat gradients.
Key characteristics of larval positioning:
- Preference for moist, shaded substrates that prevent desiccation.
- Utilization of questing behavior to elevate from the leaf litter onto vegetation.
- Selection of host attachment sites that minimize grooming response and maximize blood intake.
Understanding the dual habitat of the tick larva—host surface and humid micro‑habitat—facilitates targeted control measures and reduces the risk of pathogen transmission.