Ixodes ticks can be easily differentiated from other hard-bodied ticks by a number of morphologic features, the most important of which is the presence of an inverted "U-shaped" anal groove rather than the more typical "chalice-shaped" anal groove. Other important features are the inornate (non-decorated) scutum, long mouthparts, and lack of festoons. The CDC has an online pictorial guide which is useful for identifying ticks found in North America to the genus level. Many thanks to Graham Hickling who donated the beautiful images of the egg-laying Ixodes scapularis female and the newly-hatched, and later, blood-fed I. scapularis larvae.