Lone Star Tick Amblyomma americanum
Identification
This tick has reddish brown body and females have white spot on back.
Location
Increasing in Ohio
Size
One quarter inch
Diet
It feeds on blood from mammals and birds.
Habitat
It occurs in brushy forests.
Activity Period
April to October
Behavior
It is aggressive and actively seeks hosts. It is active in warm months.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in summer.
Population
The population is increasing.
History
It has expanded northward into Ohio.
Human Interactions
It may bite humans frequently.
Facts
It is associated with red meat allergy in some cases.
Sources
ODNR academic sources
Blood from mammals birds | Brushy woods tall grass | Southern and central Ohio