Mites (Fuscuropoda marginata) infesting a beetle (Elater balteatus) Science Image

Ref: 14800d



Mites on a beetle. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of mites (Fuscuropoda marginata) infesting a click beetle (Elater balteatus). They are seen on the beetle's legs. Mites are a large and varied group which have successfully become parasites on both animal and plant hosts. Some species are not predatory but feed on decaying matter. Click beetle larvae can be a pest in gardens if they occur in large numbers. Magnification: x20 at 5x7cm size.