Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Musca autumnalis (male) with alien passenger

Posted by skrylten on 09-03-2013 13:54
#1

2012-08-14, Degeberga Sweden

Posted by skrylten on 09-03-2013 13:59
#2

When I pinned the M autumnalis, this strange creature fell off.

Its about 0,4-0,5 mm ( the micropin is 0,1 mm)
Its hard as a beetle, protected by a "shell".
4 pair of legs (weak ?). Doesn´t look very mobile.

Any idea what it is ?
Is it associated with the fly or was it there by coincidence ?

Posted by skrylten on 09-03-2013 13:59
#3

I think this is heads on ...

Posted by John Carr on 09-03-2013 15:01
#4

Many species of mites attach to flies, usually as parasites. Pseudoscorpions attach to flies because they have no wings of their own. I don't know of any other arachnids commonly on flies.