Adult Male Black-legged Tick
(Deer Tick)
Ixodes scapularis

The black-legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, occurs in the eastern half of the US. Common hosts include deer, livestock and dogs. This species readily feeds on humans in the northeastern US and only occasionally in Texas. The males and females or dark brown in color and have no white markings. Males may be only 1/8 inch long, while engorged females may be as much as ½ inch in length. This tick species is known to transmit Lyme disease and babesiosis.