#parasitic — Public Fediverse posts

@nev it can happen that for example depending on the #mobility of the #beetle species and its #strategy to perform its #selfcleaning #behaviors that #phoretic and #parasitic #mites can be limited to small numbers only on an even relatively large #beetle. Most Scarabaeidae develop in #soilhabitats. But when it is #decayingwood or #compost, then this improves the probability that it has associations with phoretic mites. In beetles, #phoreticmites can sometimes be hidden under the elytrae.

#Nature .. “We urgently need a joined-up, cross-regional approach to save some of the world’s most remarkable #flowers, most of which are now on the brink of being lost,” ~Dr Chris Thorogood, from the University of Oxford Botanic Garden

Article and photos of #Rafflesia. #Parasitic plant known as the #CorpseFlower

#endangered #conservation #flora #flower

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/sep/20/the-worlds-largest-and-stinkiest-flower-in-danger-of-extinction-rafflesia-aoe