Ixodidae

Definition

A family of hard ticks, known for their hard scutum and importance as vectors of various diseases in animals and humans.

Etymology

From Greek 'ixos', meaning 'mistletoe' or 'sticky', referring to their clingy nature, and '-idae', a suffix used in biological taxonomy to indicate a family.

Example

The Ixodidae family includes the infamous deer tick, which can transmit Lyme disease.

Synonyms

• Hard ticks

Related Terms

• Tick
• Vector
• Lyme disease
• Ectoparasite

Usage Notes

Members of the Ixodidae family are distinguished from soft ticks (family Argasidae) by the presence of a hard scutum and a capitulum visible from above.