This is a member of the Ixodidae family of hard ticks, a North American tick with anteriorly projecting mouth parts. Ixodes are hard ticks due to presence of a dorsal plate or scutum. There are over 200 member species of the genus Ixodes and many can transmit Lyme disease to humans.
Ixodidae Hard ticks - mouth parts
By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com Guide
Updated April 30, 2006
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Member of the Ixodidae family of hard ticks
Photo from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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