How to examine the specimen

Collect the specimen

If the tick is attached to the skin, please follow this procedure to remove the tick.

Immobilize the specimen

To examine the specimen collected, if it is still alive, it is recommended that you immobilize it by placing it in a freezer for 5 to 10 minutes.

Examine the specimen

Place the specimen on a cotton ball or a white sheet of paper in order to observe its characteristics. The tick should be oriented so that the back, the shield (blue arrow), the head and the palps (red arrow) are clearly visible (specimen on the left). On the male, the shield (blue arrow) covers the whole dorsal surface (specimen on the right).    

Photograph the specimen

Taking a photograph makes it possible to examine the specific characteristics of the specimen using the enlargement function.

Photography tips

For an optimal photograph, it is recommended that you use a digital camera equipped with a macro mode or lens, or simply a relatively recent smartphone.

  1. Place the specimen on a pale, smooth surface (see tips for examining the specimen, above).
  2. Make sure there is bright lighting: either by exposing the specimen to daylight, or by placing it directly under a lamp.
  3. Zoom in.

You may also refer to the instructions on etick.ca for taking photos.