2008

NS3778 : Harvestman with erythraeid mites

taken 16 years ago, near to Renton, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland

Harvestman with erythraeid mites
Harvestman with erythraeid mites
(For a general description of harvestmen, see TQ9059 : Guarding the blackberries.)

This one was lurking in the space between two willow leaves. The bright scarlet blobs that can be seen attached to it are parasites; they are the larval stage of erythraeid mites.

It may seem strange that something on the scale of a harvestman should be afflicted with mites, but this is quite a common association; in fact, mites are common parasites on various kinds of arthropod. The larvae will later drop off of their own accord; as adults, they are predatory, hunting various kinds of insect.

Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved]   © Copyright Lairich Rig and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Geographical Context: Woodland, Forest Image Buckets ?: Closeup Life Near: Carman Reservoir Category: Insects > Insects other tags: Insect Harvestman Click a tag, to view other nearby images.
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NS3778, 210 images   (more nearby 🔍)
Photographer
Lairich Rig   (more nearby)
Date Taken
Friday, 25 July, 2008   (more nearby)
Submitted
Saturday, 3 October, 2009
Subject Location
OSGB36: geotagged! NS 374 786 [100m precision]
WGS84: 55:58.3664N 4:36.4271W
Camera Location
OSGB36: geotagged! NS 374 786
View Direction
Southeast (about 135 degrees)
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Image classification(about): Supplemental image
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