Beetle covered in mites and going crazy

Found a carrion beetle covered by tiny mites, a good thing for both parties. The beetle and mites maintain a symbiotic relationship, meaning each organism benefits from the other. Carrion beetles lay their eggs in the bodies of dead animals, which can sometimes be rare. If the beetle comes across an mammal or bird carcass, there is a good chance it will already be hosting fly larva (maggots) or eggs. The beetle carries around the mites, which will eat any eggs and maggots in the dead animal, giving the beetle a clean carcass in which to lay her own eggs. There is one disadvantage to the beetle, as the mites affect its ability to move and fly, which is why she appears to be having a hard time. I have seen dead beetles covered by these mites.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• beetle
• carion
• mite
• symbiosis
• animal
• carcass
• eggs
• nature
• beatles
• relationship