Ixodes scapularis is a hard-bodied tick found in much of the eastern half of North America. It is commonly known as the deer tick, owing to its habit of parasitizing the white-tailed deer. It is also sometimes known as the black-legged tick (although some people reserve that specific term for Ixodes pacificus, which is found on the west coast of the US), and as the bear tick in some parts of the US. It was also named Ixodes dammini until it was shown to be the same species in 1993.

It is a vector for several diseases of animals, including humans (Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, Powassan virus disease, etc.). It is also known to parasitize mice, lizards, migratory birds, etc. especially while the tick is in the larval or nymphal stage.

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