Rocky Mountain Wood Tick
Dermacentor andersoni
The Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) is an ornate hard tick with a compact, reddish-brown body and a pale scutum just behind the mouthparts. This individual appears to be an adult female, with the pale shield covering only the front portion of the back rather than the full body.
These macro views emphasize the tick's low, flattened profile, claw-tipped legs, pale scutum, and textured posterior body. The smooth curved rim and shallow depth of field draw attention to the clinging posture and small details that are easy to miss at normal viewing distance.
For identification details and comparison with similar species, see Dermacentor andersoni in the Field Notes section.
Claw-tipped Feet
A close macro angle shows the tick gripping the smooth surface with claw-tipped feet.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 800 • Aperture f/10 • Shutter 1/60 s
E22A3257 • 2918×1945
Pale Scutum
The pale scutum contrasts with the reddish-brown body and legs.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 400 • Aperture f/11 • Shutter 1/125 s
E22A3254 • 2918×1945
Elevated Front Angle
An elevated front angle shows the tick clinging to the smooth surface.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 800 • Aperture f/13 • Shutter 1/60 s
E22A3273 • 2797×1865
Broad Body and Extended Legs
Facing the lens, the tick's broad body and extended front legs stand out.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 800 • Aperture f/13 • Shutter 1/60 s
E22A3267 • 2797×1865
Textured Rear Body
A low side view catches the textured rear body and tightly gripping legs.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 800 • Aperture f/10 • Shutter 1/60 s
E22A3259 • 2918×1945