FYI
Amblyomma americanum: The lone star tick occurs across the southeastern and south-central U.S. It is most common in southern Indiana, but is found throughout the state, most commonly in moist woodlands. Adult females are characterized by a pearly-white spot at the tip of the scutum and by long mouthparts. A wide range of animal hosts serve as a source of blood, including ground-dwelling birds, small mammals, and large mammals such as deer, livestock, and pets. All developmental stages of the lone star tick feed readily on humans. Larvae, which sometimes are referred to as "seed ticks" or "turkey ticks," appear in spring and again in fall. The nymphs of this species over-winter and are active from April into July. Adults also over-winter and are active from late March into June. A female can lay over 8,000 eggs before she dies.
The lone star tick is the second most common tick found on humans especially in southern Indiana. The long, barbed hypostome of female adults inflicts a deep feeding wound, and engorging females have been associated with tick paralysis. This species is a vector of spotted fever, and two recently recognized diseases, ehrlichiosis and Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI).
