Ixodes dentatus is a type of tick that predominantly inhabits the eastern United States. Known for its large size, Ixodes dentatus can range from 2.5 to 4 mm in length and can be found in a variety of environments, including deciduous forests and grasslands. Synonyms for Ixodes dentatus include the deer tick, as it commonly feeds on white-tailed deer, and the black-legged tick, as its legs are typically dark in color. Other synonyms include the bear tick and the oak leaf tick, as Ixodes dentatus is often found on these animals and in oak leaf litter, respectively. Regardless of its name, Ixodes dentatus is a significant vector of numerous diseases, including Lyme disease and babesiosis.