Ixodes pacificus

• Also known as the Western blacklegged tick
• Where found: Along the Pacific coast of the U.S., particularly northern California.
• Transmits: Anaplasmosis and Lyme disease.
• Comments: Nymphs often feed on lizards, as well as other small animals. As a result, rates of infection are usually low (~1%) in adults. Stages most likely to bite humans are nymphs and adult females.

Western blacklegged tick (western_blacklegged_tick.jpg)

Map of the United States showing the approximate distribution of the Western blacklegged tick. The area affected is the western coast.