AMERICAN DOG TICK - Dermacentor variabilis

The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is a common tick species found throughout the United States. It is known to transmit a number of diseases to humans, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. 

It is a hard tick, meaning that it has a hard, scutum or shield on its back. American dog ticks are typically found in areas with tall grass or shrubs, where they can attach themselves to passing animals or humans.

Here are some unique characteristics of the American dog tick:

1. Physical appearance: The American dog tick is a medium-sized tick that is typically about 3-5 mm in size when fully grown. It has a dark body with a distinctive white, mottled pattern on its back.

2. Feeding habits: The American dog tick feeds on a variety of hosts, including humans, dogs, and small mammals. It is known to transmit a number of diseases to humans, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.

3. Life cycle: The American dog tick has a three-year life cycle that includes four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. It typically feeds once at each stage of its life cycle, with the nymphs and adult ticks being the most likely to feed on humans.

4. Distribution: The American dog tick is found throughout the United States, but it is most commonly found in areas with tall grass and brush, such as fields and wooded areas.

5. Control: The American dog tick can be difficult to control, as it is able to establish itself in a wide variety of environments and can reproduce quickly. Efforts to control and prevent the spread of this tick species typically involve monitoring, testing, and treatment of infected animals, as well as efforts to prevent the movement of ticks and infected animals between regions. Personal protective measures, such as using tick repellents and wearing long-sleeved clothing, can also help reduce the risk of tick bites.