How do the white markings on the male *Dermacentor andersoni* dorsal surface compare to the female?
Answer
More extensive white markings or mottling
The male wood tick displays a much more elaborate pattern compared to the female on its dorsal surface. While both sexes feature white markings on the brown scutum, the male's patterns are considerably more expansive. They exhibit extensive white mottling or markings that cover the scutum and spread over a much larger portion of the dorsal surface of its body. This more ornate appearance helps distinguish the unfed male from the unfed female.
Related Questions
What is the approximate length of an unfed adult wood tick in inches?How large can an engorged female *Dermacentor andersoni* expand to significantly?How many legs does the larval stage, scientifically known as the Seed Tick, possess?What leg count characterizes both the Nymph and Adult stages of the wood tick?What coloration marks distinguish the female *Dermacentor andersoni* scutum?How do the white markings on the male *Dermacentor andersoni* dorsal surface compare to the female?When an unfed wood tick is questing, where are its short mouthparts often visible from above?What shape and color does an engorged female wood tick develop into after feeding?What hardened plate structure on the tick’s back bears the primary color patterns?Which related species shares strong physical similarities with the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (*Dermacentor andersoni*)?