Marvels of the Universe 



197 



Ah 



mm 



Probablv the explanation is that the mites are the beetle's allies, and not its parasites. It 

 maj" be that the beetle owes its spick-and-span and odourless toilet to the regular services 

 of these httle attendants. Mam^ similar instances are known of apparent parasites which, on 

 investigation, have proved to be useful allies, even in relation to such removed animals as 

 fishes and birds. 



In cases of this kind the services are usually mutual, and it is possible that the little beetle-mite 

 requires in its economj' a diet similar to that of the beetle, together with an occasional aerial con- 

 veyance to new grounds for mating purposes. In consequence, it has probably acquired the habit 

 of engaging the Dor-beetle as its motor omnibus, reciprocating the service rendered bj? diligently 

 cleaning down the machiner}^ of its locomotion, the product of which labour may serve it 

 as food. 



A feature which tends to point to that conclusion is the fact that these mites are frequently 

 found away from the beetles, hiding under stones, and in damp places ; especially is this the 

 case during the winter 

 months. 



At the advent of the 

 cold weather, most, if 

 not all, of the old beetles 

 perish, and apparently 

 the beetle-mites leave the 

 beetles and wait until the 

 next generation of its hosts 

 appears in the winged 

 state. It is obvious that 

 they are able to li\-e for 

 months together without 

 any assistance from the 

 beetles, and just what 

 advantages they derive 

 from the association is 

 difficult to understand ; 

 unless, as I have pre- 

 viously suggested, they 

 have some relationship to 

 the functions of mating. 



I am inclined to think 

 that the mites are reared 

 on the ground, and that 

 when a family has reached 

 maturity the individuals 

 betake themselves to those 

 quarters where the beetles 

 will be sure to visit, and 

 50 they find a host. In 

 this way they probably 

 get carried to new grounds 

 far from home, where they 

 will meet with mates from 

 other stock. 



J'liolo Si/] 



[/. /, Wanl, /■.£..?. 



THE DOR-BEETLE'S MESSMATE. 



This is a greatly magnified portrait of the mite that runs over the surface of the Dor- 

 beetle, A single beetle may be host to over a hundred of these mites, which apparently act 

 as scavengers. 



