Posted by Gordon Jar on 17-06-2006 14:44
#1
The attached was taken in South East England on 17/06/06. I only took the picture as a reference but later noticed two 'Red swellings' or ' Ticks ? ) on its thorax and one on the side of its abdomen.
Can anyone enlighten me as to what they are ?
Thanks Gordon
Edited by Gordon Jar on 17-06-2006 14:46
Posted by Juergen Peters on 17-06-2006 19:38
#2
Hello, Gordon!
Gordon Jar wrote:
The attached was taken in South East England on 17/06/06. I only took the picture as a reference but later noticed two 'Red swellings' or ' Ticks ? ) on its thorax and one on the side of its abdomen.
Can anyone enlighten me as to what they are ?
Those are the nymphs of velvet mites (Thrombidiidae). They often take insects or harvestmen as "taxis" and sometimes suck blood from them. Mostly they are found on carrion beetles (Silphidae), but also on bumblebees etc. It's the first time I see them on a hoverfly.