What larger, higher-metabolism animals do adult *Ixodes pacificus* seek for their substantial blood meal?
Answer
Deer
Adult *Ixodes pacificus* ticks require the largest blood meal of their lifespan to acquire the necessary resources to fuel reproduction, particularly for the females preparing to lay eggs. Consequently, they target larger, higher-metabolism animals capable of providing this substantial intake. Deer are cited as classic and primary hosts for adult *Ixodes* species due to their size and blood volume. While adults may also feed on dogs, coyotes, and humans, the need for significant energy reserves directs them toward larger mammals like deer to ensure successful reproductive output, representing an adaptation to maximize energy gain late in their life cycle.
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