Ticks are small arachnids that resemble tiny spiders and typically range in size from about 1 to 3 millimeters, roughly the size of a sesame seed or smaller stages like poppy or sand grains
. Their bodies are oval and flat when unfed but can swell significantly after feeding, sometimes growing to the size of a coffee bean or apple seed
. In terms of color, ticks vary from reddish, dark brown, black, to brownish- red hues. Some species, like the black-legged tick, have a reddish-brown body with dark legs, while others may have distinctive markings such as white spots (e.g., the Lone Star tick)
. They have eight legs, which distinguishes them from insects, and possess sharp mouthparts with hook-like structures to attach firmly to hosts
. When attached to skin, a tick looks like a small dark bump or protrusion, often mistaken for a mole or blackhead
. Their small size and coloration make them easy to miss, especially in early stages before feeding and swelling
. In summary, ticks look like tiny, flat, oval arachnids with eight legs, varying in color from reddish to dark brown or black, and can swell considerably after feeding
