Deer tick - Dermacentor variabilis

Moved

Moved from Deer Tick. See comments under other image.

… Lynette Schimming, 4 August, 2008 - 10:11pm

Synonyms

Scientific names are supposed to be one per type of animal, but this is one of those cases where it seems like there's an exception.

What happened here is that Ixodes scapularis and Ixodes dammini were formerly considered separate species, but it was discovered that they were really the same species. In such a case the name that was validly published first is the correct one, and the other is what is known as a junior synonym.

Of course, all the publications from before this discovery would use the two separate names (and some scientists might disagree with the claim that they're the same species), so you would find references to both names for what is now believed to be the same species.

… Chuck Entz, 28 April, 2006 - 7:42pm

Thank you...

...for clearing up my confusion on this. Interesting information. Also, you're correct in your description of the holding chamber I was using. It's really handy for inspecting, as well as photographing, reluctant subjects, or ones I find laying on my kitchen floor, like this one. (Ugh! I believe I'll be checking my dog more routinely from here on.)

… Terry Allison, 28 April, 2006 - 9:24pm

size?

It would help to know the size, if you forgot to measure it you can measure the squares of that screen and take it from there.

… Beatriz Moisset, 28 April, 2006 - 3:46pm

Squares

Just fyi, this is an easily-recognizable type of plastic jar with a magnifier-lid that I've seen mostly in stores aiming for the educational-toy market. Having one of my own (I bought my nephew something else and kept this one for me...), I can confirm that the squares are exactly 5 mm.

Of course, it's always better when the photographer gives the size info, so your point is a good one.

… Chuck Entz, 28 April, 2006 - 7:12pm

Thank you...

...for reminding me to add the size, which I will now do: 15mm.

… Terry Allison, 28 April, 2006 - 4:02pm

And probably...

And probably about 5 mm when it is not engorged!

--Stephen

Stephen Cresswell
Buckhannon, WV
www.stephencresswell.com

… Stephen Cresswell, 29 April, 2006 - 4:34am