Just waiting A female Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) awaiting a host on a blade of grass. Adults of this species can survive about 600 days without feeding. (more) How Long Can Ticks Live Without Food? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/How-Long-Can-Ticks-Live-Without-Food Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Melissa Petruzzello Melissa Petruzzello is Assistant Managing Editor and covers a range of content including plants, algae, and fungi; insects and spiders; and renewable energy and environmental engineering. She also handles... Melissa Petruzzello Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 22, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Ticks are parasitic, blood-feeding arachnids with more than 800 species worldwide. They are remarkably resilient creatures, renowned for their ability to survive long periods without a blood meal. The exact duration depends on the species and life stage (larva, nymph, or adult), but some ticks can live many months to several years between feedings. Under optimal temperature and humidity conditions, adult American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis), for example, can wait for a host for as long as three years, and adult lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) and adult Rocky Mountain wood ticks (Dermacentor andersoni) can survive up to two years ...(100 of 242 words)

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