Tick Species Guide
Common tick species found across the United States — their range, appearance, and the diseases they carry.
Black-legged tick (Deer tick)
Ixodes scapularis
Most common carrier of Lyme disease. About the size of a sesame seed.
Range: Northeast, Midwest & Southeast US
Disease risk:
American dog tick
Dermacentor variabilis
Prefers open areas with little tree cover. Active April–August.
Range: East of Rocky Mountains, Pacific Coast
Disease risk:
Brown dog tick
Rhipicephalus sanguineus
Unique among ticks — can complete its lifecycle indoors. Primary host is dogs.
Range: Worldwide, throughout US
Disease risk:
Lone star tick
Amblyomma americanum
Females have a distinctive white spot on their back. Very aggressive biters.
Range: Southeast & Eastern US
Disease risk:
Rocky Mountain wood tick
Dermacentor andersoni
Found in shrubland and along trails at elevations of 4,000–10,500 ft.
Range: Rocky Mountain states
Disease risk:
Gulf Coast tick
Amblyomma maculatum
Found in open grasslands and coastal habitats. Range is expanding northward.
Range: Coastal areas of Southeast US, expanding inland
Disease risk: