How can I recognise a paralysis tick?
Depending on where you are, Ixodes may be confused with other ticks common in that area. In northern NSW and Qld this would include the Cattle Tick (Boophilus microplus) which is usually found only on cattle but may occasionally to dogs or other animals. More commonly, in the coastal areas of NSW and Qld, it is confused with the Bush Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) which is common on cattle, horses, dogs, and other animals. Picture shows engorged adult female ticks. Courtesy of NSW Agriculture, Cattle Tick Program. The size or degree of engorgement is of no use in differentiation. The terms “bottle tick” and “shell back” are also meaningless and not descriptive of any one species. Ixodes is lighter in colour than the other two ticks, has longer and stronger legs, and larger mouthparts. The male is a flat, oval, yellowish-brown tick. Various stages of Ixodes holocyclus. Picture courtesy of NSW Agriculture, Cattle Tick Program. The unfed female is also yellowish in colour, but, as it en
