Macrocheles Rettenmeyer: a mite that replaces part of an ant's leg (5 photos)

Rettenmeyer's mite Macroheles decided that in order to really love legs, you need to think like legs, walk like legs. Become your feet.





Guys, check out what crosses I bought.

At first glance, the microscopic mite looks like a typical parasite. Unable to live without ant legs, it clings to one of the limbs of the nomad ant, bites through the last segment and attaches itself to the host’s hemolymph.



What if these are ant heels?

Obviously, this is bad for the ant. He experiences constant blood loss, and his battle suit has holes through which mold, bacteria and other parasites can enter. But in return, the tick offers interesting compensation.





Imagine how another predatory foot clings to your foot...

Macrocheles, like most parasites, does not feel the desire to kill its owner, because then he may die of hunger! We have to help the owner as best we can. With the help of its eight legs, the arachnid firmly grasps any surface that the ant steps on, which increases traction. This is especially true during the construction of temporary crossings and bivouacs. This is the name given to anthills made from the bodies of other ants.



In South America, ants are a little strange and sometimes build anthills out of themselves...

Ants cling to each other, turning into bridges, suspended roads and living nests. Therefore, an ant with a built-in parasite holds on tighter and tolerates loads better, which means the entire structure will be more stable.



Bro! I'm holding on, but it's hard for me!

But one should not say that the exchange is mutually beneficial. Still, a leg with a bioprosthesis costs an ant much more than the original limb. And the relationship between these two species is too poorly studied to fully evaluate or classify them as symbiotic.