Lyme Disease

Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma Americanum)

Amblyomma Americanum (Enlarged, showing characteristic “lone star”) (Source: CDC)

Distribution: Found mainly in the southeastern US west into Texas; pockets found in New Jersey, Fire Island, NY, and Prudence Island, RI.

Description: Adults 1/3 inch long unengorged, ½ inch long engorged, colored from brown to tan, females have silvery white spot (“lone star”) on backs and males have scattered spots or streaks around perimeter of body.

Habitat: In wooded areas with brush, especially hickory-oak forests, along creeks and rivers.

Animal Hosts: Small birds and rodents (larvae and nymphs), cattle, deer, humans.

Diseases Carried: Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI)

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