Tick

Description:

The Ixodidae are a family of ticks containing the hard ticks. They are distinguished from the other main family of ticks, the soft ticks (Argasidae) by the presence of a scutum or hard shield. In both the nymph and the adult, a prominent capitulum (head) projects forwards from the animal's body; in the Argasidae, conversely, the capitulum is concealed beneath the body.

Habitat:

Seen at a small forest near a river.

Notes:

Of the 702 species in 14 genera, some are of considerable economic importance as vectors of diseases caused by bacteria such as Rickettsia and Borrelia.