Close-up photograph of a lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).

Laboratory animal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is instantly recognizable by the central white marking.

Laboratory animal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is instantly recognizable by the central white marking.

Laboratory animal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Close-up photograph of a lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).

Laboratory animal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Close-up photograph of a lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).

Laboratory animal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Close-up photograph of a lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum).

Laboratory animal at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013