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PeterD-2009 · August 20, 2010

Took this image of the Nicrophorus vespillo beetle and noticed the Mite taking a free ride on the wing casing. These Mite are not parasites of the Beetle, just using it as a means of transport.

Click http://www.imageinuk.com/Beetles-Coleoptera/Burying-Beetles-Silphidae/Nicrophorus-vespillo/8195754/975195562_n755D-XL.jpg for larger image.

Comments welcome, as always. Thanks for viewing.

Lord Vetinari · August 20, 2010

Lovely capture - wonder how the mites know when to get off ?

Brian V.

GOLDENORFE · August 20, 2010

great shot, amazed how many larger bugs have these hitch-hikers:D

PeterD-2009 · August 20, 2010

Lord Vetinari wrote: »

Lovely capture - wonder how the mites know when to get off ?
Brian V.

Thanks Brian. This beetle was flying around quite a bit with the Mites deperately hanging on. I guess they stay on board until they loose their grip - what a way to treat passengers.

GOLDENORFE wrote: »

great shot, amazed how many larger bugs have these hitch-hikers:D

Thanks Phil. Butterflies also have hitch-hikers (usually red mites) but these actually are parasites to the butterfly and take body fluid. No harm is done unless a butterfly has too many passengers.