How to share observations of ticks observed in situ (aka outdoors)

If you observe a tick when you are outdoors, and it is either on a plant or you are relatively confident that you or your companion (person or pet) picked it up in the immediate vicinity, then you should add this observation to iNaturalist as you would any other sighting of wildlife. If you recognize the species of tick, then choose that name from the list of suggested names. Enter the location and date of the sighting.

In the description or notes box enter extra info such as tick observed on a plant or on a pet or observed on a wild animal (rabbit). [eTick host type: free environment, on an animal, on a human]

If the tick is observed on an animal or human then you could also note if the tick was crawling or attached or engorged.

You should try to include something for scale in the photo.

Another option is to record all the info as described above but capture the tick and take it home where you can take better photos. The eTick group have created a great set of INSTRUCTIONS and a VIDEO TUTORIAL on how to photograph ticks. These instructions can easily be adapted to help you take good photos suitable for iNaturalist.

Stay safe - don't actively try to get bitten!

Posted on January 21, 2021 08:40 PM by mkkennedy mkkennedy

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