Appearance:

Differs by species, but all adults are very small, roundish, with eight legs (larvae or seed ticks have six legs.); 1/8 to 1/2 inch long.

Habits:

Live on bodies of mammals, birds and reptiles.

Diet:

Blood; all species can swell to a considerable size after feeding.

Reproduction:

Differs by species, but typical indoor cycle begins with up to 5000 eggs laid in floor cracks and carpets; eggs hatch in 19 - 60 days; larvae will lay in wait for contact with suitable host.

Other Info:

Ticks are known carriers of many serious diseases, including encephalitis, tick paralysis, typhus and Lyme disease; adults can live over 500 days without a meal.