I fished this deceased Isotoma delta (Entomobryomorpha) out of the pool and was fascinated to find a mite staying afloat by hitching a ride on the extended furcula. Not only that, but it seemed to be clutching what I think is a Poduromorpha species. (Later, when I attempted to separate the specimens, I was able to dislodge the mite from its "raft", but it steadfastly refused to give up the small springtail it was clutching. This leads me to believe that it was likely an intended meal, and in the end I let it crawl off still hanging on to its hard-won prize.)

I think this is an interesting shot in part because it shows three types of springtails -- there's also a tiny pink globular springtail (Symphypleona) visible in this image. But, I am mostly intrigued by the interplay of life and death, which I am often witness to when observing the critters stranded in the pool. Many smaller arthropods survive for quite some time by hitching a ride on the back of a larger living or deceased object. (In fact, I could probably put together a whole series of odd shots in this vein -- spider atop fly, mirid atop beetle, thrips atop bee, etc.)

OK, so somewhere in the middle of my rambling musings, there is actually an ID question lurking... (*smile*) I don't know hardly anything about mites, but I thought this distinctive looking one looked like a possible match for Penthaleus major. Can anyone confirm?