Gulf Coast tick

Amblyomma maculatum

Distribution

This hard tick is found in coastal areas of the US along the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico, extending inland to Kansas and Oklahoma.

Hosts

Larvae and nymphs feed on primarily on birds and small rodents, while adult ticks feed on deer and other wildlife. This tick, in both immature and adult life stage, will readily feed on humans.

Vector Status

This Gulf Coast tick transmits Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, a form of spotted fever. Adult ticks have been associated with transmission of R. parkeri to humans.

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

University of Florida- Entomology and Nematology Department