Longhorn Beetle with Mites

Description

Various species in nature interact with one another and this ecological interaction usually results in each species deriving a net benefit. This interaction is known as mutualism. Mutualism is vital for ecology as well as adaptation. In contrast, interspecific interactions such as predation and parasitism are where one species benefits at the expense of another. This symbiotic relationship between mites and beetles has lasted more than 50 million years. These mites hitch rides on beetles as a form of transportation to increase the odds of finding food sources.