adapted · And what diseases it carries and spreads …………………………………………………………………………… An introduction to ticks [IMAGE] The tick is not an insect but is part of the arachnid family. Ticks are divided into two main families, soft ticks (Argasidae) and hard ticks (Ixodidae). The scientific name of the tick that I am studying is Ixodes Canisuga, it has a sclerotizeddorsal plate (scutum), an oval or pair shaped outline, and their mouthparts are visible from the dorsal view. Habitat