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Ixodidae
hard ticks, hard-backed ticks, scale ticks
Ixodidae is the family of hard ticks, one of two major tick families, distinguished from soft ticks (Argasidae) by the presence of a scutum—a hard dorsal shield. As of 2025, the family comprises approximately 769 species in 18 extant genera. Members are obligate ectoparasites of vertebrates and are significant vectors of pathogens causing diseases in humans, livestock, and wildlife.