A genus of hard ticks that are parasites of mammals and birds, and transmitters of various diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
From Greek 'derma' (skin) + Latin 'centrum' (center), referring to the fact that these ticks attach to the skin with a mouthpart that has a central structure. The name describes where the tick feeds.
Dermacentor ticks are why we know ticks so well—they're major disease vectors, and scientists named them to highlight how they're literally 'centered' on the skin, a key detail for both biologists and anyone who hikes.
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