How the Mitey Have Fallen

Standing Room Only

Are we nearly there yet?

With such a mitey heavy load, this non-VW beetle was taking a rest on a hogweed leaf.  If the hitch-hikers are lucky, it mite take off again later.

The transport:-  A Banded Sexton Beetle, Nicrophorus investigator
The hitch-hikers:-  Poecilochirus mites, most likely Poecilochirus carabi

The mites are getting a free lift from one corpse to the next.


According to Google's AI Overview:
'Banded Sexton Beetles (Nicrophorus investigator) are often found with mites, specifically Poecilochirus mites, which are phoretic hitchhikers, Poecilochirus carabi being a frequently mentioned species. These mites use the beetles as transportation to reach new carrion sources. While some mites might be parasitic, many benefit the beetle by consuming fly eggs and larvae that compete for the carcass. This mutualistic relationship helps the beetle by reducing competition for its larvae.'