#ixodes

Eastern black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, Ixodidae

Commonly known as the deer tick, this species is a vector for several diseases, most notably Lyme disease. In most cases, the tick must be attached for at least 36 hours to transmit the disease.

Photos 1-3 by allysonv, 4 (for scale) by adeans, 5 (engorged) by duncan10, and 6 (male - all others are female) by sambiology

Castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus)

When Acorn Masts, Rodents, and Lyme Disease Collide

“‘Mast years’ is an old term used to describe years when beeches and oaks set seed. In these years of plenty, wild boar can triple their birth rate because they find enough to eat in the forestes over the winter… The year following a mast year, wild boar numbers usually crash because the beeches and oaks are taking a time-out and the forest floor is bare once again.” — The Hidden Life of Trees by…

Here is the solved Tick Crossword Puzzle as promised. Hopefully it was both a challenge, review, and a good learning moment. As always feel free to copy and distribute for educational purposes. Remember the repellant and protective clothing as it gets warmer! Across 4) This family of ticks are called hard-bodied ticks [IXODIDAE]6) Unlike Ixodes scapularis andDermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma…