The Blacklegged Tick (IMAGE) Entomological Society of America Caption The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), the vector for Lyme disease, parasitizes the white-tailed deer, which spreads the tick and increases its range. Credit CDC, public domain Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.