Hard tick
|
|
| Missing image Merge_articles.png | It has been proposed that this article or section be merged with tick.
This request may be discussed on the article's talk page. |
A male Ixodes ricinus tick (smaller) copulating with a female tick (larger)
Ixodid or hard ticks are ticks of the family Ixodae. Hard ticks are distinguished from Argasidae or soft ticks by their chitinous external shell.
Hard ticks may remain attached to the skin of a host for long periods of time. Most tick-borne diseases are carried by hard ticks, although there are some exceptions, such as relapsing fever.