Lmst

#nonsuitable

Why a #mite of the #Parasitidae (#Mesostigmata), apparently genus #Parasitellus, seemingly attacks moth #Pyrausta #despicata (Crambidae). Parasitellus develops in #bumblebee #nests and uses them for dispersal (#phoresy) to other nests, thus they leave their hosts on blossoms and wait for new hosts to be carried to new nests. The moth was detected by the mite as a #nonsuitable #phoretic #host.

© #StefanFWirth #Berlin 2025

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Photos
©S.F. Wirth

A mite of Parasitidae (Mesostigmata), seemingly genus Parasitellus, on a common dandelion flower head examines moth Pyrausta despicata (Crambidae) for whether it might be a suitable host for dispersal (phoresy/phoresis). It detects the moth as not suitable as it requires bumblebees to get into their nests, where the mite feeds and finishes its life-cycle. © Stefan F. Wirth, Berlin park Rehberge, footage end of April, editing September 2025

Moth Pyrausta despicata (Crambidae) feeding nectar on a flower head of common dandelion on a dry meadow © Stefan F. Wirth, Berlin park Rehberge, footage end of April, editing September 2025

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