A pest of livestock and wildlife. During early fall it is often the most common tick on deer and cattle. May be found along paths, trails, and roadways. Lyme disease, caused by a spirochetal bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi , may be transmitted by the bite of Ixodes scapularis . Adults become active in late September and October and are present until March or April.
Ticks can feed on humans at any stage, but most often the nymph transmits the spirochete.
Animal studies have shown that Ixodes ticks must remain attached for at least 24 hours in order to transmit B. burgdorferi . Dorsal sheild is blackish while the body behind it is reddish-brown which fades to grey on engorged specimens. Common Ticks of Oklahoma and Tick-Borne Diseases .