These “ticks” came from all directions, homing in on us, following us if we moved. Evidently a local expert says they have powerful bacteria and seriously wanted to stay away from them.
Was hiking up on a peak and sat down and this came out. Wasn’t frightened at all and climbed right onto my bag. Shortly after 5 smaller ones also came out and began exploring my backpack. They seemed to like the shade. The largest was about 2 -3 inches long. Curious to know what species it is as it’s such an interesting looking creature.
Trying very hard to eat my shoe. ID based on https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/17935678 Same individual as https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/19317894