Proc Biol Sci December 2013 PMID 24174106

How ticks get under your skin: insertion mechanics of the feeding apparatus of Ixodes ricinus ticks.

Dania Richter, Franz-Rainer Matuschka, Andrew Spielman, L Mahadevan

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135

Peak: 12 in Jul 2021

across 5 sources since Oct 2013

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12,720,999

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12,226,646

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Oct 2013 – Jun 2025

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AI synopsis

What people are saying

The collective reactions highlight a strong interest in the biological and ecological aspects of ticks, with many posts describing tick behaviors, such as their insertion mechanics, and sharing educational videos. The tone ranges from humorous to informative, indicating both engagement and recognition of the article's relevance for understanding tick-host interactions.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions support the importance and curiosity about the article, with many recognizing tick biology as fascinating and relevant.

InterestHigh interest

The varied comments reflect high interest due to the engaging tone, humor, and intriguing facts about ticks and their feeding mechanisms.

EngagementModerate engagement

Posts show a moderate level of engagement, with many sharing opinions, humor, or recommendations, and referencing specific content like videos and biological details.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions seem to increase awareness about ticks and Lyme disease, potentially influencing public perception and encouraging further research or preventive actions.

Abstract in brief

The tick Ixodes ricinus uses its mouthparts to both penetrate the skin and stay attached for about a week, during which it can transmit Lyme disease bacteria.
The insertion and attachment process involves a ratchet-like mechanism with two stages: first, the chelicerae (mouthpart appendages) pierce the skin and create a toehold, then they pull in the barbed hypostome to secure the attachment.
This mechanism combines flexible movements (like a ratchet) and static holdfast features, allowing the tick to efficiently penetrate the skin and remain attached for an extended period.

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All mentions

Mechanics of Ixodes Ricinus Tick Feeding and Skin Penetration

The tick Ixodes ricinus uses its mouthparts to penetrate and stay attached to hosts for about a week, transmitting Lyme disease bacteria. This process involves a ratchet-like mechanism with chelicerae piercing the skin…

Ze Frank · Jun 10, 2021 12,204,636 views

Mechanics of Tick Mouthpart Insertion and Attachment

This video illustrates how Ixodes ricinus ticks penetrate skin and attach for about a week, transmitting Lyme disease. It highlights the ratchet-like mechanism involving chelicerae and hypostome, combining flexible…

RoyalSocietyJournals · Oct 29, 2013 22,010 views

Mark Novak

@UnHerdNerd · X

@politicalmath There's a fantastic video explaining why this is. This has to do with parasites and intermediate hosts that aren't present in the rest of the country. https://t.co/RrN5A8g3vU

Jun 12, 2025 · 1 like · 479 followers View post →

Δexerino

@TweetingDex · X

Kdyby to nekoho zajimalo, tak to nejmensi co jsem kdy videl >kopulovat< jsou klistata (podany zabavnou formou nebojte) :D https://t.co/gsHG6J1tUb https://t.co/AFej0lbvHX

May 5, 2025 · 1 like · 1,340 followers View post →

Lafloofenpufflefluff

@Lafloofenpuffle · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/XDCQEM8joV via @YouTube

Apr 28, 2025 · 115 followers View post →

Richard Cleveland

@Earth_School · X

Educational and hysterical... https://t.co/kF9hIGeeXV

Mar 12, 2025 · 54 followers View post →

Dgrun7

@dgrun7 · X

@MikeBenzCyber Hope its not these (d)'ticks that you're battling... https://t.co/pIEIW8Gsj6

Jan 27, 2025 · 1,835 followers View post →

O.T.R. Pilot Car

@OTRPilotCar · X

For the Nerds out there. A lil lesson on just how gross ticks really are! https://t.co/EyOOfVptVO

Oct 1, 2024 · 1,785 followers View post →

MC Bruddaal · Schwäbischer Alb Traum

@mcbruddaal · X

interessant...

Aug 24, 2024 · 2,169 followers View post →

Δexerino

@TweetingDex · X

@velkamapa Nejednodusi priklad co jsem videl, kdyz to zvladnou klistata tak to musi byt geneticky kodovany

Aug 14, 2024 · 1 like · 1,340 followers View post →

Lilly

@Sussissylilly · X

@evaaviolett I like the intro

Jul 19, 2024 · 122 followers View post →

Luís

@mandelbrota · X

@rafadome Será um documentário deste género? https://t.co/LsMChsoD8U

May 27, 2024 · 1 like · 149 followers View post →

Grandpa717717

@chuck717717 · X

@Im_gorple That's a Rocky Mountain Texas Lone Star Farted fever tick! Become aware: https://t.co/cnUd8sakNM

May 17, 2024 · 1 like · 682 followers View post →

Rh- 145+ ♏♐ l'chaim

@yusufkelly · X

https://t.co/9517i45Uhy

Oct 28, 2023 · 453 followers View post →

Valency Jarvis

@PsychNerdV · X

Yuck! These things make my skin crawl. True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks - @zefrank https://t.co/X49FtFHc67 #dailygiggle #Humor #Comedy

Jun 26, 2023 · 1 like · 208 followers View post →

Anya Marx

@AnyaMarx1 · X

@BudLightSadness https://t.co/F6mHOtMfq5

Jun 4, 2023 · 1 like · 375 followers View post →

Anya Marx

@AnyaMarx1 · X

@kriissaa_krae Worth watching. https://t.co/F6mHOtMfq5

May 29, 2023 · 375 followers View post →

Mark Keeping

@gtreading · X

RT @CC14_CC14: @kallmemeg If you want to learn more about ticks, I can recommend this video… it’s highly educational but also rather amusin…

Apr 24, 2023 · 3 shares · 551 followers View post →

Barbara Nairn~

@BarbaraNairn · X

RT @CC14_CC14: @kallmemeg If you want to learn more about ticks, I can recommend this video… it’s highly educational but also rather amusin…

Apr 24, 2023 · 3 shares · 3,050 followers View post →

Cat in the Hat

@_CatintheHat · X

@kallmemeg If you want to learn more about ticks, I can recommend this video… it’s highly educational but also rather amusing. https://t.co/qQ4P75ycoe

Apr 23, 2023 · 3 likes · 3 shares · 12,505 followers View post →

Preteklis

@preteklis · X

Padomā, kas mīt tavā piemājas floriumā? Saderam, ka ērces? Visai droši, ka ērces. Minimums, 5-6. Vai pat vairāk. Daudz vairāk. Padomā, kas vēl tur dzīvo? Ķirzakas dzīvo? Esi drošs? Mož brieži..? Damn, ja nav ne vienu, ne otru.. ir dusku sūdā. Nopietni. https://t.co/WkMyJClUVl

Apr 13, 2023 · 2,679 followers View post →

Bob O.

@zaki_indomie_ · X

I don't know about you guys, but I love my youtube recommendations https://t.co/DSv9M1lKR9 https://t.co/ZSQXKXRDfm

Dec 9, 2022 · 2 likes · 232 followers View post →

berunarudo

@bernardoo · X

Não sei como isso foi parar na minha página inicial do Youtube, mas agradeço pq eu to passando mal de rir... https://t.co/pm41jM3tom

Dec 3, 2022 · 1 like · 99 followers View post →

ジーザス@ノクターンノベル

@Alger4126 · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/5MmgJLF10j @YouTubeより

Nov 17, 2022 · 1,364 followers View post →

kriszti@ ©®™

@CSIMARKRISZTIN1 · X

https://t.co/OOby3lvJ6H

Oct 27, 2022 · 1 like · 84 followers View post →

Dr. Lewis Hun (He/Him/His)

@lewis_hun · X

Lol, well done. https://t.co/5sRfkMY1dP

Oct 26, 2022 · 368 followers View post →

Larry Joens

@joens_larry · X

It's been a learning morning for me. Have you ever seen Ticks have sex? Well, I have. True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/sJnyhuGnd9 via @YouTube

Sep 12, 2022 · 1 like · 2,461 followers View post →

Izuma Bakumatsu

@izumabakumatsu · X

The whole video made me laugh inappropriately cause of the... innuendos everywhere https://t.co/Xx8sfZIfd7

Sep 12, 2022 · 1 like · 504 followers View post →

Sorophin / ソロフィン

@Sorophin · X

@TelegraphLife Tell people to watch this video to understand them easily: https://t.co/x42l9FX3Yd

Jul 4, 2022 · 6 likes · 507 followers View post →

Firefly Books

@FireflyBooks · X

It's #tickseason! Here's are some kind of gross but fascinating facts about ticks. https://t.co/nLVIDljmO1

Jul 1, 2022 · 2,026 followers View post →

Peter Azak

@thepha · X

Just Liked on YouTube: True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/eaT1saWCtO

Jun 16, 2022 · 347 followers View post →

Duncan Idaho 11

@Gorgonops_SSF · X

@ElnorFudd @MDC_online Lots of ticks. https://t.co/Kb6L0SFcqe

May 17, 2022 · 877 followers View post →

Mike Edmonson M.D, M.S.

@MikeEdmonson2 · X

@Mousecat1980 Do you follow zeFrank? Great biology videos - super funny at the same time…https://t.co/FCIeNOkOv2

May 3, 2022 · 2 likes · 1,690 followers View post →

Aeroferret…First of Her Name, Mother of Squirrels

@aeroferret · X

https://t.co/1Ga2nWjdNG

Apr 30, 2022 · 1,604 followers View post →

Dawn Hernandez

@Have2doxies · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/90VXmPNJCW via @YouTube

Apr 26, 2022 · 1 like · 3,095 followers View post →

Ria Blanke Vrouw

@DMWorldLAev · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/gFcy4wwikv via @YouTube

Apr 15, 2022 · 1 like · 1,372 followers View post →

Lyme Disease Action

@LymeAction · X

Get ready for the next tick bite - see how they do it https://t.co/HwZeY0AaSC (and admire!) @JohnBurnswriter @moab_in @HeavyWhalley

Mar 29, 2022 · 1 like · 3,242 followers View post →

ullævoy

@ullaevoy · X

RT @Gummbyman32: True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/qdMj3nJASR via @YouTube

Feb 3, 2022 · 1 share · 9,022 followers View post →

Randall Gummerman

@Gummbyman32 · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/qdMj3nJASR via @YouTube

Feb 3, 2022 · 2 likes · 1 share · 12,005 followers View post →

Chastoes

@chastoes · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/gZWol3NrvT via @YouTube

Jan 22, 2022 · 1 like · 100 followers View post →

Randall Gummerman

@Gummbyman32 · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/qdMj3nJASR via @YouTube

Nov 21, 2021 · 12,005 followers View post →

Bloodman

@Bloodman · X

@AaronGoodman33 Ticks are amazing creatures https://t.co/9lfPUDtsTB

Nov 14, 2021 · 6,429 followers View post →

Rob-What can wrong with a dumb, vindictive POTUS?

@putmygamefaceon · X

my son and wife tell me the beginning to this video is not about ticks at all- what do you think?

Nov 7, 2021 · 1 like · 26,325 followers View post →

Judy g. armes

@judy_armes · X

Oct 30, 2021 · 1 like · 910 followers View post →

Jelle Breur

@JelleBreur · X

@thevivafrei Species says a lot as well, cause not every species carries Lyme. Here a comedic explanation. https://t.co/EbsHnle5Tu

Oct 28, 2021 · 44 followers View post →

CertifiedDoc

@CertDoc · X

@ElijahSchaffer I'm almost certain that everything Buzzfeed puts out is a deliberate shitpost. They know what they're doing. This guy used to be in BuzzFeed's upper management: https://t.co/HDIaQfrW5I

Oct 27, 2021 · 98 followers View post →

NikkiMeeresVO

@NikkiMeeresVO · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/fDcdK26sH6 via @YouTube

Oct 24, 2021 · 1 like · 120 followers View post →

jube

@jubewakayama · X

うへえええええ　True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/kADUJ1yQHl @YouTubeより

Oct 15, 2021 · 1 like · 362 followers View post →

Michael Landau

@MichelLandau · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/OEAbodeAkA via @YouTube https://t.co/0aehVdgWHl

Oct 12, 2021 · 1,389 followers View post →

Rebecca Moore ⚖️

@beckyjomoore · X

"There are two kinds of ticks : soft ticks and hard ticks ." I lost it there.

Oct 12, 2021 · 216 followers View post →

Kathryn Allen OUSA

@Hedgewise · X

Every now and again I provide the information that deer aren't the source of lyme disease... True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/yEXp9NIMur via @YouTube

Oct 3, 2021 · 60 followers View post →

Hanna Blue

@RedDevilDoll35 · X

I be crushing on this dude because of his videos and shit. Because if you do some research you’ll find that they are actually factually correct, but narrated in the voice of Morgan Freeman… True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/50GKoHes0S via @YouTube

Sep 21, 2021 · 18,605 followers View post →

Gabriel Aton

@AtonGabby · X

RT @PaoPangs: https://t.co/ZUBmqTGzTh

Sep 3, 2021 · 5 shares · 196 followers View post →

nanilignaP oloaP

@sgnaPoaP · X

RT @PaoPangs: https://t.co/ZUBmqTGzTh

Sep 3, 2021 · 5 shares · 223 followers View post →

James Patrick | JP

@jMez08 · X

RT @PaoPangs: https://t.co/ZUBmqTGzTh

Sep 3, 2021 · 5 shares · 15,983 followers View post →

Paolo Pangilinan

@PaoPangs · X

https://t.co/ZUBmqTGzTh

Sep 2, 2021 · 99 likes · 5 shares · 270,176 followers View post →

Mike Edmonson M.D, M.S.

@MikeEdmonson2 · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/FCIeNOkOv2 via @YouTube

Aug 26, 2021 · 1,690 followers View post →

Randall Gummerman

@Gummbyman32 · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/qdMj3nJASR via @YouTube

Aug 19, 2021 · 12,005 followers View post →

Noelle

@pasta26mc · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/7mfU66u4Gp https://t.co/fMwZvOpqxn

Aug 10, 2021 · 2,114 followers View post →

Road Trip EU

@RoadTripEU1 · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/uoCZpelXyU via @YouTube

Aug 8, 2021 · 178 followers View post →

iscab.saptocondro

@saptocondro · X

Kutu, Zecke, https://t.co/zo1f73e8bw Little ticks https://t.co/3FfDCe6oKG

Aug 4, 2021 · 576 followers View post →

Sébastien Carassou

@FlashCordon · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/35zNIEBG4U

Aug 3, 2021 · 20,609 followers View post →

Cara

@CaraShitpant · X

just watch the video https://t.co/ZFwr9Qvqvt

Jul 30, 2021 · 147 followers View post →

JRR Tokin

@MarkEGDorey1 · X

@Buzzy39616891 @DannyTreyHo You will love this guy's short nature docs. Watch this. Listen closely. LOL! https://t.co/CdcBVdm2NI

Jul 28, 2021 · 3,866 followers View post →

Belli

@bellisaurius · X

If you can stomach it, a darkly humorous, but really interesting and fact laden discussion of ticks and lyme disease (vaguely naughty at moments), explains things like why you've got 24hrs to take them off and such https://t.co/q6akbckZRh via @YouTube

Jul 27, 2021 · 1,409 followers View post →

Lynne Saunt

@LynneSaunt · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/BJcaZlY1XN via @YouTube

Jul 26, 2021 · 851 followers View post →

phil mohat

@phillihpmhat · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/YfiubuaJ9d via @YouTube trust me. The narration is worth the watch.

Jul 20, 2021 · 163 followers View post →

Quinton Lucas, MD, MBA

@QLucasMD · X

Jul 19, 2021 · 324 followers View post →

OscarOpossum

@OscarOpossum · X

I hate the internet here you go TW bugs just more than you ever needed to know about bugs https://t.co/mHx3mabJ23

Jul 19, 2021 · 1 like · 1,180 followers View post →

TOFIKS

@tofikblogs · X

kurš te par ērcēm un laima slīmību interesējās?

Jul 18, 2021 · 1 like · 1,701 followers View post →

炎

@The_A_Order · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/lXdhvstKO4 via @YouTube

Jul 18, 2021 · 35 followers View post →

Teachernlamont

@teachernlamont · X

https://t.co/0ceg4D4oxu An interesting fun facts video about Ticks. not a fun topic, but definitely something to be aware of this summer.

Jul 13, 2021 · 12 followers View post →

Sarah Ex Machina | The Soft Collision

@Sarah_Alice_X · X

Introducing GMa to the True Facts videos. God help us. https://t.co/uyw5boD9do

Jul 7, 2021 · 5,436 followers View post →

Tahisha Arvo

@TahishaArvo · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/dfqt1vKtcF via @YouTube

Jul 6, 2021 · 555 followers View post →

Jake Ireland

@Jake_Ireland · X

@Mandoline_Blue Informative and funny: https://t.co/O9HNF6zfJ9

Jun 28, 2021 · 1,089 followers View post →

Crabe_Fantome

@Crabe_Fantome · X

Jun 27, 2021 · 281 followers View post →

BrianDeCesare

@BrianDeCesare · X

@fanaagooo A video about tick facts. https://t.co/INLBhtSl6O

Jun 26, 2021 · 3,664 followers View post →

veganlovebunny

@veganlovebunny · X

@jana_pruden @auxonic You should watch @zefrank and his video on ticks. It's pretty good. https://t.co/6ASTJcgJDD

Jun 25, 2021 · 1,376 followers View post →

Imogene_Moon13

@Imogene_Moon13 · X

@MarianneEWardle Gives me the heebie jeebies. I do not like. Although I did watch this video the other day and there’s some interesting/funny stuff in it.

Jun 24, 2021 · 1 like · 382 followers View post →

Hindsight will be 2020

@CoffeeBear5 · X

@ButNotTheCity https://t.co/DiYj8LIzzY

Jun 24, 2021 · 79 followers View post →

The reel Wallace Ritchie

@RyanLaudan · X

@aoduranceau https://t.co/IrLEVW0hSH

Jun 23, 2021 · 219 followers View post →

AAVP

@AAVParasit · X

Another cool video showing tick feeding and explaining their biology here: https://t.co/vNoIfc9n8X

Jun 21, 2021 · 1 like · 1,136 followers View post →

michael cipoletti

@ikecip · X

True Facts: Dangerous Little Ticks https://t.co/yiFZFaDZjY via @YouTube

Jun 20, 2021 · 1,291 followers View post →

Angsuman Chakraborty ✪

@angsuman · X

How ticks get under your skin: insertion mechanics of the feeding apparatus https://t.co/qEKgAn3lwk

Jul 24, 2019 · 7,518 followers View post →

How ticks get under your skin: insertion mechanics of the feeding apparatus of Ixodes ricinus ticks.

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Abstract in brief

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Mechanics of Ixodes Ricinus Tick Feeding and Skin Penetration

Mechanics of Tick Mouthpart Insertion and Attachment