Mouth Parts of the California Blackeyed Tick
The four pointed and barbed terminal segments are hinged.
They begin together as a sharp point
for insertion into the skin and then open up to "rivet" the mouth to the skin. The
barbs on the mouth help secure the mouth
during penetration.
Cross Polarized Light With Red Plate Compensator
Definition/Function:
Significance in the Environment:
Characteristic Features:
Associated Particles:
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tick