American dog tick identification (Dermacentor variabilis)


Insect identifier · Ticks

How to identify a American dog tick

Dermacentor variabilis
· Also called wood tick, dog tick, dermacentor variabilis, what does a wood tick look like, dog tick identification, wood tick vs deer tick

American dog tick identification photo

In much of North America “wood tick” means the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis): larger than a deer tick, with white or silver markings on the scutum. It is not the Lyme tick.

Someone searching this page usually has a american dog tick in a photo, on skin, or in a story about fields, trails, grassy edges. Use the marks, the bite, and the range together. In much of North America “wood tick” means the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis): larger than a deer tick, with white or silver markings on the scutum. It is not the Lyme tick.

What does a american dog tick look like?

Ornate white/silver scutum, shorter mouthparts than Ixodes, browner and larger. Common on dogs and on people walking field edges and tall grass.

American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is Adults larger than deer ticks; females about 5 mm unfed, much larger when fed. Colors people notice: brown, white, silver, red. Field marks: White or silver “ornate” markings on the scutum; Shorter mouthparts than Ixodes; Larger and browner than a deer tick; Often grabbed from tall grass onto clothing or pets. It is found outdoor. If those marks are missing, open Rocky Mountain wood tick, Deer tick, Lone star tick before you force this name. Search phrases that belong on this page include what a american dog tick looks like and american dog tick identification.

Identification marks

  • White or silver “ornate” markings on the scutum
  • Shorter mouthparts than Ixodes
  • Larger and browner than a deer tick
  • Often grabbed from tall grass onto clothing or pets

Size: Adults larger than deer ticks; females about 5 mm unfed, much larger when fed
Colors: brown, white, silver, red
Where: outdoor

What a typical american dog tick bite looks like

Typical american dog tick bite or sting
A typical pattern. Reactions vary. This is a guide photo, not a diagnosis.

Red, sometimes tender spot. Can cause local swelling. RMSF is a concern in some regions — fever after a tick bite needs care; do not wait for a bull’s-eye. Not a Lyme vector.

People searching “american dog tick bite identification” want the pattern, not a single anonymous bump. Red, sometimes tender spot. Can cause local swelling. Rarely, tick paralysis with a long attachment. RMSF is a concern in some regions. Immediate steps on this page: Remove promptly with tweezers; Clean and watch for fever, severe headache, or rash on wrists/ankles; Seek urgent care for fever after a tick bite in RMSF areas — do not wait on a “bull’s-eye”. This species does bite or sting people. Fever, spreading redness, trouble breathing, or a child with many stings is professional care.

If you were bitten

  1. Remove promptly with tweezers
  2. Clean and watch for fever, severe headache, or rash on wrists/ankles
  3. Seek urgent care for fever after a tick bite in RMSF areas — do not wait on a “bull’s-eye”

American dog tick vs Rocky Mountain wood tick

If someone in the East says wood tick, they usually mean this species. It is bigger than a deer tick and has white on the shield. It does not transmit Lyme. It is the tick of field edges, dogs, and picnic blankets.

Range and season

East of the Rockies plus parts of California. Spring–midsummer peak for adults.

East of the Rockies and parts of California. Tall grass, field edges, and dogs in spring and early summer.

East of the Rockies, plus parts of California. Very common on dogs and on people walking field edges.

Spring–midsummer peak for adults

Common questions

Is a wood tick a deer tick?

No. In much of North America “wood tick” means the American dog tick (Dermacentor), which has white scutum markings and is larger.

Do American dog ticks carry Lyme?

They are not the Lyme vector. They can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia in some areas.

What does the bite look like?

A red sore where the tick was attached. Systemic RMSF rash is different — often later, on wrists and ankles.

What does a wood tick look like?

Larger than a deer tick, brown, with white or silver markings on the shield. “Wood tick” in the East usually means the American dog tick.

Does a wood tick carry Lyme?

American dog ticks are not Lyme vectors. Deer ticks are.

Related identification pages