Weird parasitised (?) opilione (N. bimaculatum)

[Gerel]

Hi

I spotted this Nemastoma bimaculatum on a rotten log today. When I downloaded the photo I noticed the grey blobs on its pedipalps and chelicerae. At first I thought dirt or maybe a fungal infection, but looking closer I think I can just make out legs and possibly heads. Could they be mites? I did wonder if they could be just hatched young, but believe that opiliones simply abandon their eggs and, unlike some spiders, don't show any parental care.



If they are mites they really can't make feeding easy.

Thoughts appreciated

regards


Steve

(Edit - BTW the opilione was only about 2.5mm long, so whatever these things are they are tiny)

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Steve,

Yes, Mites. I suppose they'll make a handy meal when he gets hungry though!

Take care,

Jason