Introduction: This ticks common name comes from the fact that it is only found in North America and that domestic dogs are the favorite host of the adults.
Recognition: Unengorged adult female about 3/16″ (5mm) long male slightly smaller (about 1/8″/3.6 mm) engorged female up to about 5/8″ (15 mm) long 3/8″ (10mm) wide. Body oval dorsoventrally flattened (top to bottom). Color brown with whitish to grayish markings often with silvery hue.
Habits: The American dog tick does not survive well indoors. If found indoors it was probably carried in on a dog and dropped off when fully engorged to seek a suitable place for egg laying.