Water mite - Hydrachna - BugGuide.Net

Moved

Moved from Hydrachna.

… Charley Eiseman, 8 July, 2010 - 7:51pm

Moved

Moved from Parasitengona.

… Charley Eiseman, 8 July, 2010 - 7:50pm

Moved

Moved from Mites and Ticks.

… John F. Carr, 8 July, 2010 - 7:45pm

Definitely a WOW photo

...very educational and great details. Do you know much about water mites? When I saw the first photos, I assumed it was a female due to the bloated appearance. However, the possible sperm seems to indicate male -- unless, of course, they are both sexes in one ??

… Wisconsin Oecanthinancy, 23 May, 2009 - 4:30pm

Don't know much

I'm afraid I don't know very much about water mites (or any other animal, for that matter). From what I have read, some species (e.g., Hydrachna spp.) randomly deposit spermatophores in the absence of the female. (No females were present at the time I took these pictures.) Species of other genera indirectly transfer sperm using modified legs or other body parts. Per Peckarsky ("Freshwater Macroinvertebrates..."), "Sexual selection appears to be intense for at least some species of Unionicola; the males are strongly territorial and defend harems of up to 40 or more females." While I was photographing this bug, I observed what appeared to be two ejaculations. As luck would have, one occurred just as I was tripping the shutter. -- Dave

… Catfish, 23 May, 2009 - 4:43pm