Where are nymphs and larvae of D. andersoni most likely found compared to adults?
Answer
Closer to the ground among leaf litter and low-growing plants
The location preference for *Dermacentor andersoni* changes significantly based on its life stage due to size differences. Adult ticks are known to prefer higher vegetation, often questing from grasses or low shrubs to reach larger hosts. Conversely, the smaller nymphs and larvae are situated much closer to the ground surface. Their microhabitat preference centers around areas offering insulation and moisture retention, specifically within the leaf litter and dense, low-growing plant cover near the soil.

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