They're a maligned group of creatures, and not entirely without reason. Ticks, fleas, lice and chigger mites fasten themselves to a host to feed – on blood, or, in some cases, dead skin, hair or feathers. In the process, they can be an irritant, and worse: they're second only to mosquitoes as vectors of disease.

You might think you could do without them, but there's no gainsaying their efficiency. These blood-suckers bring remarkable adaptations to their work.

Welcome to the weird, wild world of ectoparasites.

Snakes, spiders and scorpions, sure. But ticks in West Texas?

Chris Ritzi is a Sul Ross State University biologist who specializes in ectoparasites – parasites that ... Hosted by for KRTS