ticks

Question
hi i use to have 3 western fence lizards but i had 2 males and they got agressive so i let 1 go and coght a new 3 1/2 inch female but i notices some ticks in the flap right below her ear and i was woundering does this flap have any purpase. and if so would removeing the ticks couse any damage?

Answer
Hello Nick,

You mean, the flap around the jowel area?  They don't really serve any purpose per say, it is just part of their body.  However, having ticks can become a health issue, so they do need to be removed.  What is in your tank that is harbouring mites?  Did you bring in a piece of wood from outside that was infested with them?

Tracie