BROWN TICK

(Rhipicephalus sanguineus)

Biology

• The brown tick is a hard tick.
• Only one nymphal stage is present.
• Mouth parts project forward and are visible from above.
• Respiratory openings (stigmata) are located near the 4th pair of legs.
• A scutum, shield-like plate, is present on the back of the body and covers the entire back of the male. The scutum only covers part of the back of the female.
• Basal segment of each leg usually has a spur.
• This tick will attempt to feed on humans, increasing the potential for disease transmission.

Distribution/Habits

• The brown tick can be found wherever dogs are present.
• Pest of dogs, but a nuisance in homes
• Adults reside in ears and between toes; the larvae and nymphs are found in long hairs on the dog’s back.
• After the brown tick engorges, it drops from the animal then it is picked up by another dog from an infested area.
• Engorged females will lay from a few hundred to more than 5,000 eggs in cracks and crevices, in carpet and behind base boards.
• After emerging from the egg, the brown tick larva is capable of surviving for up to 8 months without feeding.
• It will take 3-6 days for a tick to become engorged with blood. After engorging the tick drops off the animal and resumes hiding.
• Adults can live for long periods of time without feeding.