Roughly what size is the nymph stage of the Western Blacklegged Tick described as?
Answer
Roughly the size of a poppy seed
The nymph stage is described as diminutive in size, making it notoriously difficult to detect while feeding on a host. After molting from the six-legged larva, the nymph develops eight legs and reaches a size comparable to a poppy seed. Its measurement is generally noted as being less than 2 millimeters in length. This small stature is particularly concerning because nymphal activity peaks during the spring months—April, May, and June—in the Pacific states, increasing exposure risk while the ticks are nearly invisible.
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