Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Eggs on a dung beetle? (Uropodidae?)

Posted by ebbek on 30-07-2023 21:34
#1

Who has put these eggs on the dung beetle Aphodius fossor - maybe somebody knows? Is it a parasite or a hitchhiker?

The dung beetle was in light trap in our garden in SW Sweden last night.

Regards

Krister

Edited by ebbek on 30-07-2023 22:00

Posted by ebbek on 30-07-2023 21:35
#2

Other view

Posted by ebbek on 30-07-2023 22:02
#3

I have just got information that they are mites (Urodidae) who are hitchhiking on the dung beetle. Maybe someone knows more?

Krister

Edited by ebbek on 30-07-2023 22:17

Posted by Jan Maca on 31-07-2023 12:58
#4

The name of this taxonomic group of "mites" is Uropodoidea. They have a resting phoretic stadium (deutonymph, here named hypopus) which uses to be connected to the body of insects by a fibrous stalk.

Posted by ebbek on 31-07-2023 15:32
#5

Thanks for info!

Krister