Image of Gulf Coast Tick

Description:

Using a pin as a reference tool, this photograph depicts a dorsal view of four Amblyomma maculatum ticks. From left to right, this group of four included a larval tick, a nymph, an adult male, and at far right, an adult female. Note that the head of the pin measures just under 2mm in diameter, while its full length measures 22mm.

This tick specie is a known vector for Rickettsial organisms, Rickettsia parkeri, and Ehrlichia ruminantium, formerly Cowdria ruminantium. R. parkeri is a member of the spotted fever group of rickettsial diseases affecting humans, while E. ruminantium causes heartwater disease, an infectious, noncontagious, tick-borne disease of domestic and wild ruminants, including cattle, sheep, goats, antelope, and buffalo. Each life stage depicted here, can feed on human hosts, and can be infected with Rickettsia parkeri.
Created: 2008