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Photo#1312447
Order Orbatida Mite with parasite? - female

Order Orbatida Mite with parasite? - Female
Naples , Collier County, Florida, USA
December 29, 2014
Size: .5 mm
This mite was separated from a sample of pine needle litter with a Berlese funnel. A parasite appears to be emerging from its abdomen. The mite and the "parasite" are each ~ .5 mm long. The "parasite" appears to be segmented and has cilia-like structures at the end. Can someone help me identify this white organism/structure. Is this white thing part of the mite or is it a parasite emerging from the mite? If it is a parasite, does anyone know what kind?

Images of this individual: tag all
Order Orbatida Mite with parasite? - female Order Orbatida Mite with parasite? Order Orbatida Mite with parasite?

Ovipositor
Hi Susan, that "parasite" is actually the extended ovipositor of this mite. Nice find.

 
Thanks for that
information. It is incredible that the ovipositor is so long. Where does this species of mite lay its eggs?

Incidentally Ray, I sent back the mite collection jars to you and you should be receiving them soon.

Moved
Moved from Mites and Ticks.

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

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