Ornate Cow Tick Dermacentor reticulatus

Watch this tick's dramatic transformation when feeding. An unfed female measures just 3.8 to 4.2 millimeters, but after feeding swells to 10 millimeters—more than doubling in size as it drinks its fill of blood. Adding to the confusion, this tick goes by at least four different common names: ornate cow tick, ornate dog tick, meadow tick, or marsh tick. This species holds special significance as the type specimen for the entire Dermacentor genus, giving it importance beyond its diminutive size. You'll find it in wooded areas throughout Europe and Western Asia.