Rocky Mountain wood tick

Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni) is a species of tick that is known to spread diseases to humans. It is found in the western United States and parts of Canada. The tick is named after the Rocky Mountains, a region where it is endemic.

Description[edit | edit source]

The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick is a hard-bodied tick of the family Ixodidae. Adult ticks are approximately 1/8" to 5/8" in length, depending on sex, feeding status, and life stage. They are brownish in color, but become grayish-blue when engorged with blood.

Habitat and Distribution[edit | edit source]

The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick is found in the western United States and southwestern Canada. It is particularly prevalent in the Rocky Mountain states, hence its name. The tick prefers areas of high elevation, typically above 4,000 feet.

Life Cycle[edit | edit source]

The life cycle of the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick consists of four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The entire life cycle can take up to several years to complete.

Disease Transmission[edit | edit source]

The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick is a known vector of several diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Tularemia, and Colorado tick fever. The tick transmits these diseases to humans through its bite.

Prevention and Control[edit | edit source]

Prevention of tick bites is the best way to avoid the diseases transmitted by the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick. This can be achieved through the use of insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants when in tick-infested areas, and performing regular tick checks after being outdoors.

References[edit | edit source]

Rocky Mountain wood tick Resources
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