What coloration marks distinguish the female *Dermacentor andersoni* scutum?
Answer
Distinct white markings or spots
The basic body color for the adult wood tick is brown, but the sexes are differentiated primarily by patterns superimposed on the scutum, which is the hardened plate situated on the tick's back. For the female *Dermacentor andersoni*, this patterning typically manifests as clearly identifiable white markings or spots set against the brown base color. This pattern is generally less comprehensive than the male's markings.
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*)?