arachnid
American dog tick
Dermacentor variabilis
CautionNot foodabundant
Larger ornate tick of fields. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is possible; Lyme is not its usual gift.
Brown tick with creamy white marble marks on the scutum. Prefers grassy paths and dogs.
- Habitat
- Fields, roadsides, dog beds.
- Season
- April–August.
- Size
- Apple-seed to pea when full
- Field marks
- White ornament on the shield
First aid
Same removal as deer tick. Watch for fever, headache, and rash on wrists and ankles.