Unlike other notorious bloodsuckers like mosquitoes or greenheads, who only need blood meals for egg production, both male and female ticks need blood to survive. Right after hatching, nymphs crawl up vegetation and hold their limbs wide in a behavior known as "questing". A lucky tick grabs a host and attaches itself with a strong grip and barbed mouthparts. It salivates special proteins called evasins, which stop the bite from itching and allow it to go unnoticed as it burrows down slowly and engorges itself. When full, the tick molts before beginning the process again. Since many ticks pass between several hosts in their lives, they can spread disease. Deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are tiny and often go completely unnoticed until they've had enough time to spread Lyme disease. This double-posted hard enamel pin is ready to make a bold statement on your jacket, shirt, or bag, so you can remind everyone to check for ticks in style.
