The dwarf deer tick (U) identified at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has all the same physical features of a normal adult female deer tick (F), but it is about half the size. (This image was taken after affixing the dwarf tick specimen to carbon paper and sputter coating for scanning electron micrography; the original coloration of the specimen was similar to the female I. scapularis shown here.) Also pictured are an adult male deer tick (M) and a nymph (N) of the same species (Ixodes scapularis). (Photo credit: Molaei research group)