Dermacentor variabilis, also known as the American dog tick or wood tick, is a species of tick that is known to carry bacteria responsible for several diseases in humans, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia (Francisella tularensis). It is one of the best-known hard ticks. Diseases are spread when it sucks blood from the host. It may take several days for the host to experience symptoms.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of American Dog Tick being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Dermacentor similis
- Dermacentor andersoni
- Dermacentor reticulatus
- Dermacentor occidentalis
- Amblyomma ovale
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Ixodida
- Family
- Ixodidae
- Genus
- Dermacentor
- Species
- Dermacentor variabilis
Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.
Check your photo