Which stage is NOT part of a tick's life cycle?

The life cycle of a tick consists of four main stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. Ticks begin their life as eggs, which hatch into larvae. These larvae then feed on small hosts, often growing into nymphs. Nymphs are immature ticks that also need to feed on a host before maturing into adults.

The term "lava" is often confused with "larva," but it refers to a different biological stage primarily seen in the life cycle of insects like butterflies or moths, rather than in ticks. Therefore, "lava" is not a stage in a tick's life cycle, making it the correct choice for this question. Understanding the specific stages of tick development is crucial for recognizing their behaviors and the potential risks they pose, particularly in relation to disease transmission.