Smith Point Lifeguards

Common Tick Species on Long Island

Blacklegged (Deer) Tick

The female deer tick has a tear drop shape with a reddish-orange abdomen and solid black dorsal shield. The male is smaller and a uniform black in color. The nymph also has a tear drop shape, but is a dark brown to black in color.

Lone Star Tick

The female lone star tick is a rounder and has a single white spot in the center of its body. The male, also round, has a chestnut brown color with no distinguishing markings. The nymph is a uniform light brown color and round in comparison to the deer tick.

American Dog Tick

The female dog tick is oblong with white markings in the dorsal shield. The abdomen is dark brown. The male has white markings over its entire body. The nymph is oblong and a solid dark brown color.