Which tick feeds on large mammals, including humans?

The Lone Star Tick is known for its feeding preferences, which include large mammals such as deer and humans. This tick species is notable for its aggressive feeding behavior and its ability to transmit various pathogens, making it a significant vector of disease. Lone Star Ticks are commonly found in wooded and grassy areas where large mammals are present, increasing their likelihood of encountering humans as hosts.

In contrast, while other ticks like the American Dog Tick and the Blacklegged Tick also feed on mammals, they have other primary hosts and may not specialize in large mammals to the same degree or have the same association with humans. The Groundhog Tick primarily feeds on rodents, which limits its interaction with larger mammals. Understanding the feeding habits of these ticks is crucial for assessing the risk of tick-borne diseases in environments where humans come into contact with these parasites.