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Red mites

Trombidium spp.

Photo by The MnMs
Published on Project Noah
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53.7577, 20.4545

Field Notes

Description:

Is the same type of insect as previous spotting but full of red mites of the genus Trombidium. These mites parasite butterflies (sp. breei) and other similar flying insects.

Habitat:

I guess wherever their hosts are abundant.

Notes:

University campus Kortowo-Olsztyn

Reference Links:

Trombidium

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (13)
Christine Y.
Great shots! I definitely feel sorry for this fly. I have seen many mosquitoes parasitized by mites, but since mosquitoes aren't so likeable, I didn't feel quite so bad for them. All part of nature, I suppose.
The MnMs
Thanks Chief! As for the ride suggested below..the location of the mites (if you see, even internally, inside the anus) I doubt they are there just for the ride. I am more inclined to think they are parasitic. The scorpionfly also does not look that healthy..In any case, I really don´t know for sure :-)
wehrnaturecenter
These mites might not be destructive but just getting a ride on this insect that looks like a scorpionfly or hanging fly.
The MnMs
Yes, I felt like catching the insect and remove all these from it, but is not so easy and I would only make it worse..nature is nature, so I could only observe its bad luck..
ceherzog
Yes, I always imagine what it must be like...maybe like cancer.
rubens.luciano
Marta, This red mites are the same this one http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/6842863 ?
Christiane
Wow.. great shots... It is sad, but it is nature! By helping one you hurt the other! So it is best to just watch.. You would not stop a tiger killing his prey, or?!?!
The MnMs
Yes. It looked strangely beautiful with the bright ornage red color of the mites. Only when you get a closer look you realize what these are and that the poor insect is full of them..I felt tempted to help but is not easy..
courtneyhitson
Very interesting shot. It does make you feel sorry for the poor thing though.
The MnMs
Thanks, I just felt so sorry for the animal being parasitized..one may be Ok but so many mites is awful..

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National Geographic's Great Nature Project
Photographed
PublishedJuly 17, 2011

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