CDC outlines identification and disease risks of common U.S. ticks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides details on the appearance, geographic range, and illnesses transmitted by several tick species prevalent in the United States.
Tickborne illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal syndrome have prompted public health officials to emphasize tick identification and prevention. The peak activity period for most ticks runs from April to September, though they can be encountered year-round.
The blacklegged (deer) tick, common in the eastern United States, is recognizable by a reddish-orange body, black shield and black legs. It can transmit anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Borrelia miyamotoi and Powassan virus, according to the CDC.
The American dog tick, found primarily east of the Rocky Mountains, has a dark brown body and legs with an off-white shield in females. It is a vector for Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
The lone star tick, widespread in the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast, displays a reddish-brown body and a distinctive white spot on females. It is associated with ehrlichiosis, heartland virus, southern tick-associated rash illness, Bourbon virus, tularemia and may trigger alpha-gal syndrome, a delayed red-meat allergy.
The western blacklegged tick, located mainly on the Pacific Coast, resembles its eastern counterpart and can transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and Borrelia miyamotoi.
The Rocky Mountain wood tick inhabits high-elevation areas of the Northwestern United States. It resembles the American dog tick but males have a cream-colored shield. It can spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, tularemia and, in rare cases, cause tick paralysis through a neurotoxin in its saliva.
The brown dog tick, present throughout the United States and worldwide, has a reddish-brown body, brown legs and a narrower profile. While primarily a parasite of dogs, it can bite humans and transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
The Gulf Coast tick, concentrated in the Southeast, has a reddish-brown body, light-colored legs and a cream shield. It is known to transmit Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, a form of spotted fever.
The Asian longhorned tick, native to East Asia, has been documented in several U.S. states since 2017. It possesses a large brown body and legs and appears less inclined to bite humans, though studies are ongoing to assess its potential to transmit pathogens.
Public health agencies advise regular skin checks after outdoor activities, prompt removal of attached ticks, and consultation with medical professionals if symptoms develop.
