What structural feature characterizes hard ticks like Dermacentor andersoni?
Answer
A hard dorsal shield called the scutum
Hard ticks, belonging to the Ixodidae family, are distinguished primarily by the presence of a rigid external structure known as the scutum on their dorsal side. This shield is what gives hard ticks their common name, as it remains rigid and protective even while the tick is engorging itself with blood. This structural characteristic reflects deeper evolutionary splits compared to soft ticks, which lack this pronounced shield and instead possess a softer, more leathery integument. The presence of the scutum influences the feeding behavior and overall morphology of hard ticks over their lifespan.
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