Rocky Mountain Wood Tick
Dermacentor andersoni
Moderate Risk Risk
Known to transmit: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Colorado tick fever, Tularemia
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About
The western counterpart to the American dog tick. Found at higher elevations in the Rocky Mountain states. Primary vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in the western US and Colorado tick fever virus.
Appearance
Brown with gray/silver ornate markings
Size
Adult female: 4–5mm unfed
Habitat & Range
Habitat
Shrubby grasslands, sagebrush, mountain meadows, trail edges
Region
Rocky Mountain states, Pacific Northwest
Peak Season
March–July (higher elevations: June–July)
Life Stages
Larva (< 1mm)
Feeds on small rodents at ground level.
Nymph (1–2mm)
Rarely encounters humans.
Adult (4–5mm)
Ornate markings. Very similar to American dog tick.
Safety Tips
- 1.Most active during spring and early summer at lower elevations
- 2.Check yourself after hiking in sagebrush or mountain meadows
- 3.Colorado tick fever causes recurring fever — no specific treatment exists