Harvestman (with parasitic red mites)

Nice find! The mites are ectoparasitic larvae of the genus Leptus (Erythraeidae). They are certainly not spider mites (Tetranychidae), which are herbivorous. After engorging on their host, the mites drop off and "pupate" into a nymph, then later pupate again into an adult. The nymphs and adults of the common species parasitizing harvestmen in your area are quite colorful, often dark purple with white spots.

Although they certainly don't kill adult harvestmen, it should be noted that we don't know what effect the parasitism has on the host. For nearly every parasitengone (the group of mites that erythraeids are a part of) that has been investigated, even moderate levels of parasitism can affect longevity and fecundity. So even though they don't kill the host, there are still major effects. That said, these parasites aren't "bad" and instead play a valuable role in controlling host populations. I hope this info is helpful!

Thanks Gilma!

So very interesting. I love it here, I learn so much all of the time. Thank you so much.

Thanks for those facts, Martin! Very interesting!

Thanks for the info Martin!

Commenting on a question below by J.
Parasites live on a host and feed on it, usually with minimal harm. Any species that routinely kill their hosts are called parasitoids and usually time their life cycle to leave (eg, pupate) as the host dies. http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/705...

Oneng, harvestmen (Opiliones) are member of the same family, the arachnids, but unlike spiders that have a separate abdomen & cephalothorax (head & thorax), they have a single body section.

Fabulous........what it is..spider..this is a frist time I see it.

Thats a great comment Larry!

chun commented that the mites are akin to pimples on your face....especially distressing if you are a teenager.

Thank you Sachin!

wonderful,,

Thanks Ashish!

Great spotting Karen... I learnt about this spotting when finding what I spotted about my own spotting...!!

I feel kind of sorry for the harvestman - I don't know if arachnids feel pain but it can see the mites which presumably must be distressing at the very least.

Creepy man!

Thanks Jacob! I don't know why except that it probably isn't in their interest - if they stay on the host until it dies they would lose their food source. I guess by moving around they avoid that happening.

Amazing! Do you know why the mites don't kill the host?

Thank you Gerardo, Leanne, & Chantell!

Wow, creepy. Great pict!

Wow! Great spot!

Wow poor guy but is a great shot:)