Rocky mountain wood ticks (Dermacentor andersoni) are found primarily in the Rocky Mountain are in states such as: Nebraska, South Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico, and California. Rocky Mountain wood ticks can be distinguished by their red or brown color, tear dropped shaped bodies. While females have a white colored shield, males have gray and white spots.
Rocky Mountain wood ticks can live for a total of 1-3 years and have 3 stages in a life cycle. Rocky Mountain wood ticks are dependent upon mammalian hosts in all 3 stages of life in order to survive.
Rocky Mountain wood ticks are responsible for transmitting the following diseases:
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF)