Observation: I am not familiar with ticks but may have found one of some kind. When taking food to my dog I noticed this insect crawling around in the food dish. I took a few photos in hopes of identifying it. We've been hearing more and more about ticks in Alaska and it's shocking to think we may have them up here in Nome. It is important because ticks can cause human health issues it's important that we identify this insect so we can educate our community about the dangers of ticks and how to identify and deal with them. Anahma Shannon, Kawerak Association, Inc., Regional Backhaul & Recycling Specialist
Photo by Anahma Shannon, to view larger image go to Flickr URL: link
UAF Cooperative Extension Service Consult: Statewide IPM Technician Jessie Moan writes, "This looks like some kind of mite. I noticed that this has also been forwarded to Dr. Beckmen so I would defer to her decision on identification."
LEO says: Mites and ticks come from the same sub class of small arthropods (Acari (or Acarna) and look quite similar. Both will take blood meals from the species that they associate with. This looks like it might be some type of red mite, which is more often associated with birds, wild and domesticated.
Resources:
Alaska Fish & Wildlife News – About Ticks: Dog ticks have recently been reported in Southcentral Alaska and in the Fairbanks area. As far as we know there have been no previous reports of ticks in the Bering Straits region. Ticks have also been reported on people but no cases of tick related illness have yet been reported in Alaska. This post has been forwarded to Dr. Kimberlee Beckmen with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for identification. Dr. Beckman runs the tick monitoring program for Alaska. Learn more here (link).
Wikipedia – About Mites: red mites are blood feeders that attack resting birds at night. They are generally white or greyish in color, becoming darker or redder when engorged with blood. After feeding, they hide in cracks and crevices away from daylight, where they mate and lay eggs. The mite progresses through 5 life stages within seven days, so populations can grow rapidly - causing anemia in badly affected birds. Young birds are most susceptible. The mites can also affect the health of the birds indirectly, as they may serve as vectors for diseases such as Salmonellosis. Dermansyssus gallinae will also bite some species of mammals, including humans, sometimes causing dermatitis and skin lesions.
Observations From Members 