Dermacentor andersoni, commonly known as the Rocky Mountain wood tick, is a species of tick found primarily in the western United States and parts of Canada. It typically inhabits grassy and wooded areas, where it feeds on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. This tick is known for its distinctive brown color and white markings on its back. This tick is a vector for several diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick-borne encephalitis. Its life cycle includes four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Understanding the behavior and habitat of Dermacentor andersoni is essential for preventing tick bites and managing tick-borne diseases.