Context-dependent-mutualism

Guides

• Poecilochirus

  Carrion Beetle Mites

  Poecilochirus is a Holarctic genus of relatively large mites (0.5–1 mm) in the family Parasitidae. They are phoretic symbionts of burying beetles (Silphidae: Nicrophorus), using beetles for transport to vertebrate carcasses where they feed and reproduce. The genus exhibits extensive cryptic diversity, with molecular studies identifying 24 genetic clusters potentially representing distinct species. Their interaction with beetle hosts is context-dependent, ranging from antagonistic (egg predation, competition) to potentially mutualistic (preying on fly eggs and nematodes).

  phoresycarrionforensic-acarologycryptic-specieshost-specializationNicrophorusoophagyParasitidaeMesostigmataHolarcticcoevolutioncontext-dependent-mutualism