Where do deer ticks get their names?

Deer ticks, also known as black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), get their name from their primary host, the white-tailed deer. These ticks often inhabit areas where deer are prevalent, as they rely on the deer for blood meals necessary for their reproduction. The presence of deer in an area significantly increases the likelihood of encountering these ticks, which is why they are commonly associated with them.