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Deer Tick
Ixodes scapularis
8 legs
Black legs – aka “black legged tick”
Black circle on abdomen that starts at
base of cephalothorax.
Deer ticks are one of three types of ticks in
Loudoun County. They have a 2 year life
cycle – nymphs feed on mice and adults feed
on large mammals (deer). In the nymph stage
they can carry Lyme disease. Have 12 hours
to remove tick before at risk of disease
transfer. Go to the doctor within 3 days of tick
bite for antibiotics, otherwise will have to wait
2 weeks for a blood test. Sometimes has a
bull’s-eye rash.