Tick Lapel Pin

Modeled after the tick species Ixodes, a tiny arachnid that is responsible for causing Lyme disease infections throughout the Northern Hemisphere, this lapel pin is guaranteed disease-free. Ixodes is a member of the hard tick family (Ixodidae), distinguished by the fact that they are hard to crush. Ticks find their animal and bird hosts by scent, warmth and vibrations. After attaching to the host, they begin sucking blood and can become engorged up to 600 times their normal weight. This blood meal is necessary for their development and reproduction. Ticks can, however, transmit bacteria, viruses and protozoa to their hosts causing serious diseases including Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, meningoencephalitis and babesiosis, an infection similar to malaria.

Lapel pin ships from Shapeways without the butterfly clasp to attach the pin. You will need to purchase one yourself, or borrow one from another pin you might have lying around the house.

The tick lapel pin is approximately 2 cm in diameter.