Dermacentor albipictus (Packard) —winter tick

Ex Cervus elaphus (elk) (re­introduced): 14N, NC, Haywood Co., Cataloochee, 9 Jan. 2003, W. K. Reeves, L­ 3020, RML123523.

This one­host tick primarily parasitizes large ungulates especially during the cooler months (Strickland et al. 1976) as reflected by its vernacular name. Dermacentor albipictus is widespread in North America (Bishopp & Trembley 1945) and probably parasitizes white­tailed deer in the Park.