Fauna
Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2184301

Lone Star Tick

Amblyomma americanum

Also known as Northeastern Water Tick, Turkey Tick, Cricker Tick

Lone star ticks are aggressive, fast-moving parasites known for their active hunting strategy called questing, where they climb vegetation to latch onto passing hosts. Adult females are distinguished by a single silvery-white spot on their backs, while larvae and nymphs swarm host animals in large numbers during warm months. Uniquely among North American ticks, bites from this species can trigger alpha-gal syndrome, causing severe, lifelong allergies to mammalian meat.

ParasiticAggressiveVector
Lone Star Tick reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles
Predators
  • Virginia Opossum
  • Wild Turkey
  • Guinea Fowl
ThreatsSub-zero winter temperatures, controlled burns, and pesticide applications
HabitatsDeciduous forests, dense brush, and overgrown fields
Life span2–3 years
Classification
  1. OrderIxodida
  2. FamilyIxodidae
  3. GenusAmblyomma
  4. SpeciesAmblyomma americanum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
Transmits bacterial pathogens and can induce red meat allergy; wear repellent and check skin after outdoor activity.
Why it is dangerous
Bites transmit bacteria causing ehrlichiosis and STARI, and saliva can induce alpha-gal syndrome, triggering severe allergic reactions to red meat.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by a small brown, flattened body, with adult females displaying a single prominent silvery spot on the back.
What to do
Do not touch with bare skin; grasp attached ticks near the skin with fine tweezers and pull firmly straight upward.
Responsible observation
  • Wear Protection: Tuck pants into socks and apply permethrin to clothing before entering dense brush.
  • Prompt Removal: Use fine-tipped tweezers to pull attached ticks straight out without twisting or squeezing.
  • Monitor Health: Save removed ticks in sealed containers and watch for fever, rash, or body aches.
Related species
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