What biological mechanism allows ticks to survive long periods without feeding between necessary blood meals?

Ability to enter periods of reduced metabolic activity

Ticks possess a specialized biological capability that allows them to endure extended periods, potentially spanning months or even years, while awaiting a suitable feeding opportunity between necessary blood meals. This hardiness is achieved through the ability to enter states of reduced metabolic activity, sometimes referred to as diapause or quiescence under unfavorable conditions. By slowing down their internal processes, the tick conserves the energy and nutrients efficiently stored from its previous blood meal. This slow metabolic rate is the key factor enabling the tick to wait out unfavorable weather or times of low host availability, thus maximizing its potential lifespan as a threat even long after it has finished consuming blood.