Which life stages feed on hosts during the three-host life cycle of the blacklegged tick?

Which life stages feed on hosts during the three-host life cycle of the blacklegged tick?

• A. Eggs
• B. Pupae
• C. Larvae, nymphs, and adults
• D. All stages feed on hosts

Answer: (C)

In a three-host tick life cycle, the blood meal is taken at each feeding stage to allow development to the next stage. Eggs are laid after the female feeds and do not feed themselves; they hatch into larvae. The larvae must feed on a host to molt into nymphs, and the nymphs must feed to molt into adults. Finally, adults feed on a host to reproduce. Therefore, the stages that feed on hosts are the larvae, nymphs, and adults. Eggs don’t feed, and there isn’t a pupal stage in ticks.

In a three-host tick life cycle, the blood meal is taken at each feeding stage to allow development to the next stage. Eggs are laid after the female feeds and do not feed themselves; they hatch into larvae. The larvae must feed on a host to molt into nymphs, and the nymphs must feed to molt into adults. Finally, adults feed on a host to reproduce. Therefore, the stages that feed on hosts are the larvae, nymphs, and adults. Eggs don’t feed, and there isn’t a pupal stage in ticks.