Species guide
Deer tick
Can carry diseaseIxodes scapularis
How to recognise it
A tiny tick — poppy-seed sized as a nymph, sesame-seed sized as an adult — reddish-brown with darker legs and shield, and eight legs (it's not an insect).
Is it dangerous?
Doesn't sting, but it's the main carrier of Lyme disease in North America. Prompt, correct removal lowers the risk of infection.
What to do
Remove it with fine-tipped tweezers, gripping close to the skin and pulling straight out. Watch for a spreading rash or flu-like symptoms over the following weeks and see a doctor if they appear.
Recorded 20,907 times in the wild worldwide.
Think you've spotted one?
Photograph it and let SpecieSense confirm the species — and show you the reasoning.
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