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larose forest photos | all galleries >> INSECTS (INSECTA) (28 Galleries) >> Beetles (Coleoptera) (58 Galleries) >> Soldier Beetles (Family: Cantharidae) > Pennsylvania leatherwing with mites
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29-AUG-2010 Christine Hanrahan

Pennsylvania leatherwing with mites

You can see that this poor beetle is bearing a heavy load of mites. There are at least 12 visible, but they were also on the underside of the abdomen and under the elytra (wing cover). They were even on the eyes. Poor thing! Little wonder he could hardly fly. Eventually the mites will kill this beetle. You often see insects with parasite loads, and sometimes so many mites are present that the poor creature can barely lift off.

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
1/250s f/5.6 at 5.0mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
Guest 28-Sep-2012 12:05
Agree with Hank on nature's way.
Valene31-Aug-2010 01:33
Wonderful image Christine. You are so good at macros! V
Hank Vander Velde31-Aug-2010 00:11
Super image and info Christine, but that's nature's way I guess . Poor bug though.
Patricia Kay30-Aug-2010 22:02
A beautiful image but so sad for the beetle...BV
slhoornstra30-Aug-2010 21:01
A truly gorgeous shot. Do these mites serve a purpose by killing the beetle? O is it just a misfortune? The color and clarity and bits of sunshine make this capture really extraordinary. VVV
Cindi Smith30-Aug-2010 20:44
Too bad for the leatherwing. In life something is always bound to get you!
LynnH30-Aug-2010 16:34
Awww, sad. I love these close details shots and your explanations! V
PauloCGama30-Aug-2010 15:34
Poor guy for sure. Awesome catch, details are just fabulous.
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