Last checked November 3, 2026 against official sources.
This page lists 6 insects and 5 ticks and mites: 9 from SDSU Extension, South Dakota State University's An identification guide for Arthropods of Human Health Concern in South Dakota and 2 named in other official sources. 1 is venomous by official accounts. 1 is nonnative.
Not every species: no complete official list of South Dakota insects exists, so this page covers the ones state and Extension sources name. How lists are built.
Official sources single out these insects in South Dakota, in their own words:
Disease. “West Nile virus (WNV) is a very active illness in the state of South Dakota.” South Dakota Department of Health
Venom allergy can cause anaphylaxis (CDC/NIOSH, national). “People who are allergic to venom may experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency care.” CDC / NIOSH
Official sources single out these ticks in South Dakota, in their own words:
Disease. “Tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), encephalitis” SDSU Extension, South Dakota State University
Disease. “Tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), Colorado tick fever (CTF)” SDSU Extension, South Dakota State University
Disease. “Lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA)” SDSU Extension, South Dakota State University
Disease and alpha-gal syndrome (SDSU Extension). “Alpha-gal syndrome causes allergies towards red meat and can result in anaphylaxis” SDSU Extension, South Dakota State University
Venomous species first, then A to Z. Do not handle them.
Venom: “People who are allergic to venom may experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency care.” (CDC / NIOSH)
Dermacentor variabilis
Ixodes scapularis
Aedes vexans
Amblyomma americanum
Dermacentor andersoni
Culex tarsalis
Records of insects in South Dakota peak in July to August. They show when people record insects, not how many there are (about month bars).
Call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away. Poison Help connects you to your local poison center, any time of day.
Official advice from South Dakota Department of Health and SDSU Extension, South Dakota State University:
SDGFP: [email protected] (hunting/fishing and wildlife questions); report a suspected aquatic invasive species with a photo to [email protected]; report a tick photo to SD DOH via the South Dakota Tick Survey; report wildlife violations at 1.888.OVERBAG. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
The species list comes from An identification guide for Arthropods of Human Health Concern in South Dakota (P-00243) (SDSU Extension, South Dakota State University, 2022). 2 more entries come from other official sources named on each card.
Venom labels come only from official sources and link to them; "Not stated" never means harmless. How labels work.
"Nonnative" and "Invasive" follow the wording of the source list. See invasive species in South Dakota.
“Tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), encephalitis”
“Tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), Colorado tick fever (CTF)”
“Lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA)”
“Alpha-gal syndrome causes allergies towards red meat and can result in anaphylaxis”
“Peak activity from May-August”
“Adults are active April-late August”
“West Nile virus (WNV) is a very active illness in the state of South Dakota.”
“People who are allergic to venom may experience anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency care.”
“Prevention Tip: Wear long sleeves and pants, use EPA-registered repellents, and check for ticks after spending time outdoors.”
“Several tick species in South Dakota are active during warmer months”
“If you are concerned about a tick bite or develop other symptoms after the bite, contact your healthcare provider immediately.”
“If you catch what you believe is an invasive species, please take a picture of it and send the picture to [email protected].”