Lone Star Tick
The lone star tick (*Amblyomma americanum*) is a hard tick native to North America.
The lone star tick (*Amblyomma americanum*) is an aggressive hard tick native to North America, known for biting humans and spreading several diseases, including alpha-gal syndrome.
What it is
The lone star tick is a parasitic arachnid in the family Ixodidae. Adult females are identified by a single white spot on their dorsal shield, which gives the species its common name. Males lack this spot but may have pale markings. It is a three-host tick, feeding on different hosts at each life stage.
Why it matters
This tick is a significant public health concern due to its aggressive host-seeking behavior and frequent human bites. It can transmit ehrlichiosis, STARI, tularemia, Heartland virus, and Bourbon virus. Its bites are also linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a red-meat allergy. It is not a vector for Lyme disease.
Key details
The lone star tick is widespread in the eastern, southeastern, and midwestern United States, with range expansion in some areas. It inhabits wooded and brushy habitats. White-tailed deer are primary hosts, but it also bites humans. Canadian readers may encounter it through travel or near the Canada–U.S. border.
In short
- Aggressive human-biting tick found mainly in the eastern and central U.S.
- Adult females have a single white spot on the back.
- Transmits several diseases but not Lyme disease.
- Associated with alpha-gal syndrome, a mammalian meat allergy.
The lone star tick has mainly U.S. relevance, but Canadian readers may encounter it through travel or because its range has been reported near the Canada–U.S. border in some areas.
Quick questions
What is a lone star tick?
What diseases can lone star ticks spread?
Do lone star ticks transmit Lyme disease?
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/data-research/facts-stats/lone-star-tick-surveillance.htmlSupports: Distribution in the United States; aggressive biting behavior; female white spot; nymphs and adult females bite humans and spread disease.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/lone-star-tickSupports: Scientific name; North American hard tick; host range; diseases associated with the species; not a Lyme disease vector.
- PubMed Central — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8352541/Supports: Aggressive human-biting behavior; public-health importance; association with pathogens and alpha-gal syndrome.
- Texas A&M University — https://tickapp.tamu.edu/home/tick-identification/lone-star-tick/Supports: Distribution, hosts, three-host life cycle, and principal disease associations including ehrlichiosis and STARI.
- University of Rhode Island TickEncounter — https://web.uri.edu/tickencounter/species/lone-star-tick/Supports: Habitat, life stages, disease associations, and alpha-gal syndrome.