Tick Species Identification Guide

Although numerous species of ticks exist, there are only about seven species of ticks that bite and transmit diseases in humans in the United States

Blacklegged tick (deer tick)

The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is found mostly in the Northeast and Upper Midwest of the United States. It is responsible for transmitting Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, and Powassan Disease. ** (Unfortunately, we do not test for Powassan Disease). **

American Dog Tick

The American Dog Tick, Dermacentor variabilis, is mostly found east of the Rocky Mountains and along the California coast. It mainly transmits Tularemia and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. ** (We currently test for these diseases). **

Lone Star Tick

The Lone Star Tick, Amyblyomma americanum, is widely distributed in the eastern half of the United States. It transmits bacteria that cause Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, and STARI. ** (Unfortunately, we do not test for STARI). **

Gulf Coast Tick

The Gulf Coast Tick, Amyblyomma maculatum, is found along the Atlantic seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico. It it responsible for transmitting Rickettsiosis. 

Brown Dog Tick

The Brown Dog Tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, is found worldwide and transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in southwestern United States. ** (We currently test for these diseases). **

Western Blacklegged Tick

The Western Blacklegged Tick, Ixodes Pacificus, is found along the Pacific Coast and transmits Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis. ** (We currently test for these diseases). **

Rocky Mountain Wood Tick

The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, Dermacentor andersoni, is found in the Rocky Mountain states and transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, and Tularemia. ** (Unfortunately, we do not test for Colorado Tick Fever). **

Here is a table of the most common diseases associated with each tick: