Anton Sorokin

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Flora & Fauna of CA

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Poecilochirus species mites on a Scaphinotus species ground beetle. This genus of mite is well known for riding on beetles - particularly carrion beetles (which this is not). While the exact relationship between this type of beetle and mite is not known in the published literature, their relationship with carrion beetles is well documented. The beetles deliver the mites to a food source which the mites then disembark on. There they feed on fly larvae and eggs which compete with the beetle's larvae for food.

Poecilochirus species mites on a Scaphinotus species ground beetle. This genus of mite is well known for riding on beetles - particularly carrion beetles (which this is not). While the exact relationship between this type of beetle and mite is not known in the published literature, their relationship with carrion beetles is well documented. The beetles deliver the mites to a food source which the mites then disembark on. There they feed on fly larvae and eggs which compete with the beetle's larvae for food.

A young slime mold growing on a log near Berkeley, CA. These slime molds are neither fungus, plant nor animal. Instead they are considered protists and embody characteristics of the other 3 mentioned kingdoms.