Castor bean tick

Family: Ixodidae. Genus: Ixodes. Hard tick. Recorded life stages: egg, larva, nymph and adult.

Larvae have six legs; nymphs and adults have eight. Adult females have a dorsal scutum covering only the anterior body, while the adult male scutum covers almost the entire dorsal surface. Microscopic characters may be required.

Ixodes genus characters and species-level morphology may require microscopic examination. Engorgement can obscure useful characters.

May be confused with Ixodes hexagonus and Ixodes persulcatus. Host, colour or photograph alone is not sufficient for reliable confirmation.

A photograph alone cannot always confirm Ixodes ricinus. Where species confirmation matters, use an authoritative key and appropriate expert examination.

Adult females have a scutum covering only the anterior dorsal surface, allowing substantial expansion during feeding. Adult males are smaller and the scutum covers almost the whole dorsal surface. Larvae have three pairs of legs; nymphs and adults have four pairs.

A three-host life cycle is typical. Larvae, nymphs and adult females require a blood meal, and each parasitic stage normally feeds on a separate host. Duration is often approximately three years but varies with climate and host availability.

Potentially active throughout the year. UK nymph activity is greatest in spring and commonly peaks between April and June. Phenology varies geographically and between years and may include spring and autumn peaks.

Established and widespread in the United Kingdom. Presence records, establishment, habitat suitability and disease risk must be interpreted separately.

Frequently bites humans. It is the principal UK vector of Lyme borreliosis. Pathogen detection, vector competence and local disease risk are distinct evidence categories.

Feeds on livestock, companion animals and wildlife and is associated with pathogens of veterinary importance.

Confirmed principal UK vector of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato. It is also a recognised vector or reported vector-associated species for other pathogens, but each association must retain its source-specific evidence category. Detection alone does not prove vector competence or local transmission.

Frequently bites humans. Small nymphs are important in exposure because they may be overlooked. This profile describes evidence and does not diagnose infection or predict an individual’s risk.

Feeds on livestock, companion animals and wildlife and has substantial veterinary relevance. Pathogen, host and geographic context must be stated for individual disease claims.

Use appropriate clothing and repellents where suitable, remain on clear paths where practical, and check people, clothing and animals after exposure to tick habitat. Follow current public-health and veterinary guidance.

Remove an attached tick promptly with fine-tipped tweezers or a purpose-designed tick-removal tool. Grasp close to the skin and pull upward slowly and firmly without crushing the tick. Seek appropriate professional advice if concerning symptoms develop.