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Difference Between Deer Ticks and Western Blacklegged Ticks

Although the deer tick is also commonly known as the blacklegged deer tick, deer ticks prefer to feed on the blood of white tailed deer, while western blacklegged ticks tend to choose Columbian black-tailed deer as their hosts. Deer ticks also prefer cool environments and prey on their hosts in winter. Their larvae and nymphs develop in summer and target much smaller animals like white-footed mice. Western blacklegged ticks are most active from late winter to summer, while their young feed primarily in spring and summer months. Immature western blacklegged ticks often feed on lizards like the western fence lizard. 

Deer ticks and western blacklegged ticks also exhibit a number of similarities. Both species are hard ticks and feed on three hosts throughout their lives.  This means that the tick drops off the host after feeding, then finds a new host for the next meal. Both species are also vectors of Lyme disease. Deer ticks are responsible for the spread of Lyme disease throughout various regions of the United States, while the western black-legged tick is the primarily cause for its spread across the Pacific Coast. Deer ticks are also known to transmit ehrlichiosis, tularemia and babesiosis.

Deer Ticks

Life Cycle of a Deer Tick

Female Deer Tick

Deer Tick Identification

Size of the Deer Tick

Deer Tick Bite

Deer Tick Removal

Deer Ticks and Lyme Disease in Animals

Where are Deer Ticks Located

Brown Deer Tick

Difference Between Deer Ticks and Wood Ticks