Beetle for ID

[PeterD]

Saw this Beetle today. What makes this even more interesting is the passengers on the wing casing. Could someone please identify the Beetle and passengers (I think they are mite).



Click here for larger image.

Thank you

[GuyF]

It looks like Nicrophorus vespillo, certainly one of the Sexton Beetles. You're correct about the passengers being Mites, these are quite often seen on Sexton Beetles. They use the beetles as a means of transport, generally not causing any problems unless numbers get very high!
Guy

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by GuyF

It looks like Nicrophorus vespillo, certainly one of the Sexton Beetles. You're correct about the passengers being Mites, these are quite often seen on Sexton Beetles. They use the beetles as a means of transport, generally not causing any problems unless numbers get very high!
Guy

Thank you Guy.
Lensman3000 also gave the same ID in the Gallery

You often see Red Mite on butterflies which usually climb on-board when they roost overnight in the grass.

[Dogghound]

Definately Nicrophorus vespillo

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Peter,

Agreed, vespillo.

Take care,

Jason

[GuyF]

Originally Posted by PeterD

Thank you Guy.
Lensman3000 also gave the same ID in the Gallery

You often see Red Mite on butterflies which usually climb on-board when they roost overnight in the grass.

Yes, those mites are similar, although I believe they're slightly more 'sinister' as they are actually parasitic on the butterfly, taking fluids from the body, although again they rarely have an effect on the insect unless numbers get too high.
Guy

[PeterD]

Thanks Dogghound, Jason and Guy