Dermacentor similis (D. variablilis for eastern species)

Host Type: 3-Host Tick

NOTE: The species Dermacentor variabilis was just recently discovered (Lado et al. 2021) and separated into 2 distinct species from east to west, with western states now having Dermacentor silimis as the main Dog tick species west of the Rocky Mountains. All literature will state D. variabilis due to D. similis being too new of a discovery in 2021.

Dog Tick ID:

Researchers have split the medically important American dog tick into two species: the existing Dermacentor variabilis in eastern states and the newly described Dermacentor similis west of the Rocky Mountains. Shown here: D. variabilis male, dorsal view (top left) and ventral view (top middle); D. similis male, dorsal view (bottom left) and ventral view (bottom middle); and views of spiracular plates of males (A-D, D. variabilis, and E-H, D. similis). (Image originally published in Lado et al 2021, Journal of Medical Entomology)’. https://entomologytoday.org/2021/08/25/american-dog-ticks-western-new-species-dermacentor-similis/

Diseases it can transmit:

Nymphs and Adults – Can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (aka Rickettsia rickettsii) and Tularemia Francisella tularensis.

Engorging stages of the Dog Tick:

Distribution in the United States:

Researchers have split the medically important American dog tick into two species: the existing Dermacentor variabilis in eastern states and the newly described Dermacentor similis west of the Rocky Mountains. Shown here are locations where specimens of each were collected as part of the research, with D. variabilis sampling locations shown as orange circles and D. similis sampling locations shown as blue diamonds. (Image originally published in Lado et al 2021, Journal of Medical Entomology)’ from https://entomologytoday.org/2021/08/25/american-dog-ticks-western-new-species-dermacentor-similis/.