lone star tick nymph – Amblyomma americanum
Researchers at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service examined the effectiveness of two organic dusts, known as Surround and CimeXa, when applied directly to lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) larvae and nymphs (shown here). The lone star tick was used in the study as a model, as the researchers hope the dusts could be a useful tool against other tick species that transmit deadly pathogens to livestock. (Photo credit: James Gathany, CDC Public Health Image Library)
I wonder if some areas have darker ones of this species? I’ve been fighting some that, by shape, by size, and by the mouth parts length, are this kind, but they are darker, and I can’t figure out what they are. According to maps, all of the other species here have nymphs that are shaped like sunflower seeds, quite oval and almost pointed at the head end, compared to thr rest of their bodies. So they almost *have* to be this species! But the darker bodies are throwing me!