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What is Ixodes scapularis?
Ixodes scapularis is the blacklegged tick, a hard tick found across much of the eastern United States and parts of central and eastern Canada.
Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For North American residents and travellers
Short answer
At a glance
Key takeaways
A two-year life cycle is commonly described
CDC describes egg, larval, nymphal and adult stages across a life cycle that generally lasts about two years. Seasonal timing and local abundance vary with climate and habitat.
Use current local information
Range maps show broad or reported distribution, not guaranteed presence at every point. County, provincial or public-health surveillance can provide more relevant local context.