How to identify a Pacific Coast tick
Dermacentor occidentalis
· Also called pacific coast tick, dermacentor occidentalis, california wood tick, pacific coast tick bite
California foothill “wood tick” is often Dermacentor occidentalis: larger, ornate, not the western blacklegged Lyme tick.
California foothill trails in winter and spring: the larger ornate tick is often Dermacentor occidentalis. The small dark unmarked tick on the same sock is the western blacklegged tick — that is the Lyme species. Fever after a foothill hike is a clinician visit. Do not apply Northeast deer-tick folklore to every California tick.
What does a pacific coast tick look like?
White/silver ornate scutum, western brush and foothill trails, larger than Ixodes pacificus.
Pacific Coast tick (Dermacentor occidentalis) is Similar to other wood ticks; ornate adults. Colors people notice: brown, white, silver. Field marks: White/silver ornate scutum; Western brush and foothill trails; Larger than western blacklegged ticks. It is found outdoor. If those marks are missing, open Western blacklegged tick, American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick before you force this name. Search phrases that belong on this page include what a pacific coast tick looks like and pacific coast tick identification.
Identification marks
- White/silver ornate scutum
- Western brush and foothill trails
- Larger than western blacklegged ticks
Size: Similar to other wood ticks; ornate adults
Colors: brown, white, silver
Where: outdoor
What a typical pacific coast tick bite looks like
Red attachment spot. Spotted-fever-group rickettsia possible. Fever after a California foothill hike needs care.
People searching “pacific coast tick bite identification” want the pattern, not a single anonymous bump. Red attachment spot. Can be involved in spotted-fever-group rickettsia and a rare cause of tick-borne lymphadenopathy. Immediate steps on this page: Tweezers removal, clean, 30-day symptom watch; Fever after a California foothill hike needs care; Soothe local itch if no systemic signs. 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
- Tweezers removal, clean, 30-day symptom watch
- Fever after a California foothill hike needs care
- Soothe local itch if no systemic signs
Pacific Coast tick vs Western blacklegged tick
California foothill wood tick: larger, ornate. Western blacklegged tick: small, unmarked, Lyme. People mix them constantly on the same trail.
- Western blacklegged tick identification (Ixodes pacificus)
- American dog tick identification (Dermacentor variabilis)
- Rocky Mountain wood tick identification (Dermacentor andersoni)
Range and season
Primarily California into Oregon. Winter–spring adults in much of CA.
California into Oregon, brush and foothill trails.
Primarily California and into Oregon. A western ornate Dermacentor of brush and foothills.
Winter–spring adults in much of California
Common questions
Pacific Coast tick vs western blacklegged tick?
Pacific Coast ticks are larger, ornate Dermacentor “wood ticks.” Western blacklegged ticks are smaller Ixodes with an unmarked dark scutum.
Where are they found?
Mainly California, some Oregon.
Do they transmit Lyme?
They are not the Lyme vector. Other regional illnesses are the concern.
When are Pacific Coast ticks active?
Adults are often a winter–spring problem in much of California.