Phoretic Carrying Capacity of Flying Southern Pine Beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Abstract

Mites do not have wings, but in their course of evolution many species have developed an association with insects, using them as a vehicle of distribution. Occasionally they cover the host so completely that the insect cannot fly. The literature is replete with these observations. Except for a single speculation (Fronk 1947), there are no reports as to how many mites Derzdroctonus frontalis Zimmerman can support and still fly to its intended destination.

Citation

Moser, John C. 1976. Phoretic Carrying Capacity of Flying Southern Pine Beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). The Canadian Entomologist 108: 807-808