Ixodidae are commonly known as which of the following?

Ixodidae are commonly known as which of the following?

• A. Soft ticks
• B. Hard ticks
• C. Mites
• D. Lice

Answer: (B)

Ixodidae are hard ticks. They have a rigid dorsal shield called a scutum on the adult body, which is the defining feature that gives them the “hard” nickname. That shield contrasts with soft ticks (Argasidae), which lack it and have a more flexible, leathery body. The scutum also aligns with how hard ticks feed: they attach to a host for extended periods (days to weeks) to engorge, then detach, whereas soft ticks feed quickly and often feed multiple times. This combination of a hard dorsal shield and longer feeding on hosts is what makes Ixodidae the hard ticks, a group containing many medically important species.

Ixodidae are hard ticks. They have a rigid dorsal shield called a scutum on the adult body, which is the defining feature that gives them the “hard” nickname. That shield contrasts with soft ticks (Argasidae), which lack it and have a more flexible, leathery body. The scutum also aligns with how hard ticks feed: they attach to a host for extended periods (days to weeks) to engorge, then detach, whereas soft ticks feed quickly and often feed multiple times. This combination of a hard dorsal shield and longer feeding on hosts is what makes Ixodidae the hard ticks, a group containing many medically important species.