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Some ticks don't even have eyes (like black-legged ticks). The ones that do see shadow and light. It's all you and your CO2 and semiochemicals. :)

Bingo. It is an orienteering point and a control punch. https://www.123rf.com/stock-photo/orienteering.html

You are so smart. I think you are right. Everything looks like bugs to me. :) https://www.defense.gov/Photos/Essay-View/CollectionID/12071/

They probably put the functional part of the trap out for limited and measured times and leave the rest until the study is over. I don't know what the weird spiky tongs are though.

I'd guess it's a trap site for maybe pine beetle studies? Perhaps they put an attractant with glue in there periodically?

Great shots! The mouthparts are impressive for sure. You are correct. That is an A. americanum nymph. You can tell quickly by the lack of genital pore on the underside. Also, if it were a larva, it would have six legs.

Just a baby! How cute! It may have been....playing possum. They carry a parasite that makes other animals ataxic like that, but I don't think it makes them sick the same way.

This is the best thing I've learned on this forum.

Jessica must have superpower-type vision. Nice find!

Ohhhh. Ouch. That makes ME want to cry. Well, at least it looks like the insurance for the Hummer will have to pay.

Bummer for the guy in the adorable, cool green car. What is (was) that, an MG?

I dunno. :) Not actually sure if all males have that, or just yours. It looks like it's something in rather than on. It could also be gut contents about to...exit. Since the spot is right above the anal pore. I don't think it's a sperm packet, because the genital pore is the thing at the top of...

A few hours in the freezer will do it, too.

I took an acarology class where we dissected them under a scope and looked at their innards. They have beating hearts! Ticks fascinate me. I am such a nerd. :)

Yay! I love this game. You are correct on all counts.

I am a bug scientist and I endorse this message.

When ticks bite, they secrete cement to anchor their mouthparts. It takes quite a bit of time for them to bite, and then when they take their meal, they secrete an enzyme that dissolves this cement so they can drop off. That also takes quite a bit of time. From bite to drop off, they are on you...

We have an effective vaccine for dogs, but not for people. We can thank the anti-vaccine crowd for that.

As long as you get the tick out ASAP after you find it. That is the key. Once a tick is embedded, it secretes cement so it is actually unable to detach. Pulling it out is still the best option, if you leave some of the mouthparts in your skin, it's not a huge deal. It'll come out!

A Rain of Organs. I love the blubber-flattened Cadillac.