Page 83 - A Field Guide to Fairfax County's Plants and Wildlife
P. 83
rican Dog Tick
(Dermacentor variabilis)
Description The American Dog Tick bite may
transmit bacteria or parasites that
The American Dog Tick is reddish can cause Rocky Mountain spotted
brown with white or yellow markings. fever, tularemia or canine tick
The male is 5 millimeters long and paralysis. Male ticks may attach to a
the female is slightly larger. As its host but feed very little (if at all) and
name implies, the American Dog Tick therefore do not transmit diseases.
is often found on dogs as an adult. Ticks should be removed from the
body as soon as possible. Ticks
Distribution and Habitat feed slowly and most likely will not
transmit diseases until they have
The American Dog Tick prefers to been attached for several hours.
live in wooded, shrubby and long
grass areas. They are found in all
five physiographic provinces.
Role in Food Web
The larvae and adults feed on the
blood of small and large mammals
including Eastern Chipmunks,
Meadow Voles, squirrels, White-
tailed Deer and humans. Predators
include Wild Turkeys, salamanders,
centipedes, harvestmen, toads and
skinks.
r 79 r
(Dermacentor variabilis)
Description The American Dog Tick bite may
transmit bacteria or parasites that
The American Dog Tick is reddish can cause Rocky Mountain spotted
brown with white or yellow markings. fever, tularemia or canine tick
The male is 5 millimeters long and paralysis. Male ticks may attach to a
the female is slightly larger. As its host but feed very little (if at all) and
name implies, the American Dog Tick therefore do not transmit diseases.
is often found on dogs as an adult. Ticks should be removed from the
body as soon as possible. Ticks
Distribution and Habitat feed slowly and most likely will not
transmit diseases until they have
The American Dog Tick prefers to been attached for several hours.
live in wooded, shrubby and long
grass areas. They are found in all
five physiographic provinces.
Role in Food Web
The larvae and adults feed on the
blood of small and large mammals
including Eastern Chipmunks,
Meadow Voles, squirrels, White-
tailed Deer and humans. Predators
include Wild Turkeys, salamanders,
centipedes, harvestmen, toads and
skinks.
r 79 r
