Ixodida – ticks

Key Characters:

1.  Subcapitulum with beak-like hypostome covered with retrorse denticles.

2.  Tritosternum and corniculi absent.

3.  Chelicerae apparently 2-segmented, with bulbous basal article and a pair of distal cutting organs protected by a hood-like process.

4.  Tarsus I with well developed Haller’s organ.

5.  Lateral eyes sometimes present.

6.  Immatures and adult females with a small anterior scutum, much larger in males, or with papillate integument without plates.