vpg logo Parasite Diagnostic Key
Hard Ticks

Tick Anatomy & Terms

1. Scutum ornate:
                 Mottled Scutum or Scutum with dots ........ Go to: 3 & 4
2. Scutum not ornate. .......... Go to: 5 & 6


3. Long thin palpi .......... Amblyomma
4. Short palpi .......... Dermacentor


5. Long wide palpi,
      Lacks Festoons, Anal groove anterior to anus. .......... Ixodes
6. Short palpi,
      Festoons Present, Anal groove posterior to anus. .......... Rhipicephalus

Amblyomma americana


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NC State College of Veterinary Medicine
1060 William Moore Drive
Raleigh, NC 27607