Which of the following is NOT a stage in a tick's life cycle?

Ticks undergo a distinct life cycle that includes several stages: egg, larvae, nymph, and adult. The larvae stage typically follows the egg, where ticks emerge as six-legged creatures. As they progress through their life cycle, they develop into the nymph stage, which is characterized by the presence of eight legs. Eventually, ticks mature into adults.

Fleas, on the other hand, are entirely different ectoparasites with their own life cycle stages—which include egg, larva, pupa, and adult—and do not relate to ticks at all. Thus, identifying "flea" as not a stage in a tick's life cycle reflects an understanding of the unique biological and lifecycle characteristics of these two types of pests. It’s important to distinguish between these species, as they require different control measures and have different habitats and behaviors.