×
BugFinder Insects by State Spiders Butterflies & Moths Bees, Ants, & Wasps Beetles All Bugs Videos (YouTube)

Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Lone Star Tick


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/5
Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
Full-sized image of the Lone-Star-Tick Thumbnail image of the Lone-Star-Tick
2/5
Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
Full-sized image #2 of the Lone-Star-Tick Thumbnail image #2 of the Lone-Star-Tick
3/5
Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
Full-sized image #3 of the Lone-Star-Tick Thumbnail image #3 of the Lone-Star-Tick
4/5
Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
Full-sized image #4 of the Lone-Star-Tick Thumbnail image #4 of the Lone-Star-Tick
5/5
Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
Full-sized image #5 of the Lone-Star-Tick Thumbnail image #5 of the Lone-Star-Tick

A single yellow dot on the back of the female Lone Star Tick found in the Southeastern U.S. urges real caution.



Updated: 01/04/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Lone Star Ticks are not known to carry the vector for Lyme Disease, but they do harbor other noteworthy bacteria. Humans and dogs bitten by this tick can develop Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, and erhlichiosis. These illnesses are treatable and complete recovery is possible if detected early. This tick can also transmit the alpha-gal sugar, which is found in non-primate animals, but not humans. Once in a person's bloodstream, a human's body reacts to its presence and a food allergy to red meat develops. This allergy is called alpha-gal syndrome. People who develop it after a tick bite experience an anaphylactic reaction after consuming beef, pork, and lamb. The intensity of the allergic reaction depends on the person. It could mean intense itching, nausea, and hives, or it could cause unconsciousness and worse. People recently diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome usually have to abstain from eating dairy as well as red meat until their particular reaction level to alpha-gal is determined. If a Lone Star Tick is found biting a person or dog, removing it using a pair of tweezers along with its head and mouthparts intact is strongly recommended. Contact your physician if you have been bitten by a Lone Star Tick.

If a dog has many ticks on it, bring it to a veterinarian for tick removal, overall examination, and possible treatment for tick-borne illnesses. Rapid response for canine victims can help reduce discomfort and prevent more serious illnesses from developing.

The female Lone Star Tick is red with a pale yellow or white dot in the center of its body. Lone Star Tick males do not have this spot on them. Both sexes are flat and small when they have not had a bloodmeal. Once engorged with blood, their bodies inflate like balloons and they may look like a completely different insect to some people. Ticks are hardy and can be found in natural areas of every type. They cling to the tip of grass blades, leaves or other low plants, and simply wait for a host to pass by. Their eight legs are like hooks, and they are immediately able stick to hair, fabric, and even skin. They walk quickly to the warmer parts of a host (closer to a blood source) before embedding their heads into the skin and feeding. Check yourself, others, and your pets for roaming ticks after spending time outdoors to help prevent bites. Many times, a quick 'tick check' can find them still walking, before they actually bite, and they can be more easily removed.©InsectIdentification.org


Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.


General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Harmful insect icon
Patterned insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Chelicerata
      Order: Ixodida
        Family: Ixodidae
View More
          Genus: Amblyomma
View More
            Species: americanum

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Amblyomma americanum
Category: Mite or Tick
Size (Adult; Length): 0mm to 5mm (0" to 0.19")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: brown; yellow
Descriptors: legs; spot; dot; cling; hook; bite; harmful; engorged; flat

Lone-Star-Tick Video(s)




A male Lone Star Tick running for cover.


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 0mm (0.0in) and 5mm (0.2in)
Lo: 0mm
Md: 2.5mm
Hi: 5mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
State of Alabama graphic
State of Arizona graphic
State of Arkansas graphic
State of California graphic
State of Colorado graphic
State of Delware graphic
State of Florida graphic
State of Georgia graphic
State of Idaho graphic
State of Illinois graphic
State of Indiana graphic
State of Iowa graphic
State of Kansas graphic
State of Kentucky graphic
State of Louisiana graphic
State of Maine graphic
State of Maryland graphic
State of Michigan graphic
State of Minnesota graphic
State of Mississippi graphic
State of Missouri graphic
State of Montana graphic
State of Nebraska graphic
State of Nevada graphic
State of New England graphic
State of New Jersey graphic
State of New Mexico graphic
State of New York graphic
State of North Carolina graphic
State of North Dakota graphic
State of Ohio graphic
State of Oklahoma graphic
State of Oregon graphic
State of Pennsylvania graphic
State of South Carolina graphic
State of South Dakota graphic
State of Tennessee graphic
State of Texas graphic
State of Utah graphic
State of Virginia graphic
State of Washington graphic
State of West Virginia graphic
State of Wisconsin graphic
State of Wyoming graphic
Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Lone Star Tick may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Lone Star Tick. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Site Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookies  |  Sitemap
Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede

2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2024 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

©2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2024 (18yrs)