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What is Ixodes pacificus?
Ixodes pacificus is the western blacklegged tick, a hard tick associated mainly with Pacific coastal regions of North America.
Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For North American residents and travellers
Short answer
At a glance
Key takeaways
A western species
CDC describes a life cycle that generally lasts about three years, progressing from egg to six-legged larva, eight-legged nymph and adult. Each active stage normally needs a blood meal to continue development.
Maps need careful reading
A shaded distribution area does not mean the tick is equally abundant throughout it. Habitat, host populations, elevation, climate and surveillance effort all affect local records.