| Scientific name | Amblyomma americanum |
|---|---|
| Group | Ticks, Mites & Other Arachnids |
| Size | 3–6 mm (up to about 0.24 in) |
| Colors | Brown, Red and White |
| Legs | 8 legs |
| Wings | No (as usually seen) |
| Where found | Woods or trails and Lawn or grass |
| Most active | Spring and Summer |
| Bites | Yes |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Health risk |
How to identify it
The lone star tick is a small member of the ticks, mites & other arachnids group. Eight legs as adults, no antennae and no wings. Check for these three features:
- Single white dot on the back of adult females
- Long mouthparts visible from above
- Moves actively toward people rather than waiting
About this bug
An aggressive, reddish-brown tick of the Southeast and East; adult females have a single white spot on the back. All life stages bite people.
You'll usually find lone star ticks in woods and along trails and in lawns and grass. They are most active in spring and summer.
Is it dangerous?
Lone star tick bites are linked to ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy.
Our rating: Health risk, meaning it can cause medically significant bites, stings or disease.
Call 911 right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or a racing heartbeat after a bite or sting.
When you'll see lone star ticks
Lone Star Ticks are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: woods or trails and lawn or grass.
About ticks, mites & other arachnids
The lone star tick is one of the ticks, mites & other arachnids. This group includes ticks, mites, scorpions and harvestmen. Like spiders, adults have eight legs and no antennae, though larval ticks and chiggers have only six. Ticks and some mites feed on blood or skin, while scorpions hunt insects and harvestmen scavenge.
Ticks move through larva, nymph and adult stages, and each stage needs a blood meal. Nymphs are tiny and active in late spring and summer, which is when many tick-borne infections happen.
What to do about it
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and DEET or picaridin on skin
- Do a full-body tick check after time outdoors
- Keep lawns mowed and brush cleared at the yard edge
Read the full guide: how to get rid of lone star ticks.
Bugs that look similar
Color: Lone Star Ticks are brown, red and white; American dog ticks are brown, white and gray.
Color: Lone Star Ticks are brown, red and white; blacklegged ticks are black, red and brown.
Frequently asked questions
What does a lone star tick look like?
Single white dot on the back of adult females. Adults measure 3–6 mm (up to about 0.24 in).
Does the lone star tick bite or sting?
It can bite. It does not sting. Lone star tick bites are linked to ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy.
Where do lone star ticks live?
Lone Star Ticks live in woods and along trails and in lawns and grass.
When are lone star ticks most active?
Mostly in spring and summer.