Amblyomma spp. are hard-bodied ticks that transmit a number of human pathogens. In the United States, Amblyomma americanum transmits Ehrlichia species (ehrlichiosis), Francisella tularensis (tularemia), and Rickettsia rickettsii (Rocky Mountain spotted fever). Characteristic features include an ornate (decorated) scutum, festoons on the dorsal surface (arrow heads), and mouth parts that are noticeably longer than the basis capituli. The CDC has an online pictorial guide that can be used for identifying hard ticks found in the United States. The first tick shown here is Ambylomma variegatum, an important vector for livestock diseases in Africa, while the other images show A. americanum in various stages of development and engorgement.