It is found east of central Texas to the Atlantic Coast and northward to Iowa. The lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum, can carry spotted fever, tularemia, and possibly Q fever. The pale markings are diffuse on the male specimens. In the southern states east of Texas this species will bite man readily in the larval, nymphal and adult stages. Its bite is quite painful and may itch for a long time.
Common hosts are livestock, dogs, deer, birds and man.
The Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum, is found particularly along the Gulf and South Atlantic coastlines. It has spurs on the second, third and fourth pairs of legs and more diffuse pale markings on the female than does the lone star tick. When present in an area, the ticks often infest the ears of cattle. Screwworm flies are often attracted by the smell of fresh blood in these wounds, laying eggs in them. Later screwworm larvae may feed voraciously, cause festering sores that can kill cattle.