Adult females are easily recognized by the white spot on the dorsal scutum. Mouth parts for this genus are large and they lack an anal groove. Once thought to be restricted to areas along the Gulf Coast, this tick is now common in Oklahoma. Because of its large mouth-parts and preference for ataching to the ears of it's host, it is responsible for considerable damage and annoyance. It has become one of the most economically important tick species of horses and cattlle in Oklahoma.
Adults appear in late spring and are active throughout the summer.
The role of this tick as a vector for diseases is poorly understood. This is a 1-host tick that is capable of transmitting a variety of diseases. It is the principal vector for bovine babesiosis. As such, it is a reportable parasite in the U.S. allthough its reintroduction across out southern border is always a threat. Common in most warm areas of the world.