What is a "hard tick"?

A hard tick is a type of arachnid belonging to the family Ixodidae, characterized by a tough outer shell or "hard" exoskeleton. They are known for their ability to transmit diseases to humans and animals through their bites, and they typically attach firmly to the skin for extended periods of time to feed on blood. Hard ticks are commonly encountered in outdoor environments, such as forests and grasslands, and they go through various life stages, including larva, nymph, and adult.