Phoresy
Definition
The use of another organism as transport without parasitism. Gamasid mites attach to fly puparia or adult flies and ride to new carcasses, then drop off to feed. Phoretic mites on specimens in a collection should be noted, not assumed to be contamination.
Related terms
- Cleridae
- Checkered beetles. Arrive at remains to feed on other insects, particularly fly larvae and small beetles. They are secondary predators and their...
- Dermestidae
- The skin beetles. Oval, hairy or scaly-bodied beetles whose larvae feed on dry keratin-rich material: skin, hair, feathers, and dried muscle. They...
- Silphidae
- Carrion beetles. Arrive during active to advanced decay. Nicrophorus (burying beetles) provision small carcasses for their larvae; Silpha species scavenge larger remains....
- Skeletonisation Stage
- The decomposition stage at which all soft tissue has been consumed and only mineralised bone, cartilage, and possibly dry skin or hair...
- Staphylinidae
- Rove beetles. Recognised by their short elytra (wing covers) leaving the abdomen largely exposed. At carrion scenes, many are predatory on fly...
Explained in
- Beetles and Other Insects of Forensic ImportanceThe use of another organism as transport without parasitism. Gamasid mites attach to fly puparia or adult flies and ride to new carcasses, then drop off to fee...