Ixodes ricinus, CU nymph mouthparts, SEM

Scanning electron microscope ventral view of mouthparts of nymph of castor bean tick, Ixodes ricinus, a vector of viruses and babesiosus. It is parasitic on sheep, cattle and wild animals. Larvae are found on many wild birds and mammals. Carries many diseases and is thought to be the main vector for transmitting Lyme disease to humans. Biomedical Image Awards 1999.