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What is the difference between Ixodidae and Argasidae?

Ixodidae are hard ticks with a hardened dorsal shield, while Argasidae are soft ticks with a leathery body and mouthparts that are not visible from above in most stages.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Everyone

Short answer

Ixodidae are hard ticks with a hardened dorsal shield, while Argasidae are soft ticks with a leathery body and mouthparts that are not visible from above in most stages.

At a glance

The two families also differ in feeding behaviour, habitat and life-cycle patterns.

Key takeaways

• Hard ticks have a visible scutum.

• Soft ticks often feed more briefly and repeatedly.

• Family-level differences affect surveillance and control.

Built differently

A hard tick's capitulum projects forward and can usually be seen from above. In soft ticks it is positioned beneath the body in nymphs and adults, while the outer surface lacks a hard scutum.

Different ways of living

Many hard ticks quest in vegetation and feed for days. Many soft ticks live near nests, burrows or shelters and take shorter meals, although species-level exceptions matter.