bobmcd 的最愛

This Northern Amber Bumblebee has a small bronze beetle, likely a fungus beetle (Antherophagus species, perhaps ochraceus) traveling on its mouthparts. The best of a series of 4 photos that seem to show that behaviour. Hidden Valley, Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan, Canada. 28 July 2022
'A. ochraceus, along with some other members of Cryptophagidae, engage in phoresy. The beetles are transported by attaching to the legs, mouthparts, or antennae of bumblebees. It remains attached by clamping down with its mandibles.[6] It does not release until the bee returns to the nest. A. ochraceus adults lay eggs in bumblebee nests, where the eggs develop into larvae. In the larval stage, the beetles remain in the nest and eat organic matter and detritus. Specifically, they are presumed to consume honey, bee feces, and comb debris.[6][7]'

Link to inaturalist phoresis page:
inaturalist.ca/observation_fields/11626
I have never observed this behavior. I didn't notice the beetle on the photos until now.

Antherophagus as tentative beetle genus

Link to phoresis page https://inaturalist.ca/observation_fields/11626