Phoresis
Videos
Phoresis or phoresy is a temporary commensalistic relationship when an organism attaches itself to a host organism solely for travel. It has been seen in ticks and mites since the 18th century, and in
Pseudogarypus synchrotron Henderickx et al. 2012 specimen in Baltic amber.
Male Bombus hypnorum with phoretic mites. Botevgrad, Bulgaria.
Pseudoscorpion hitching a ride on a fly
The phoretic deutonymph of the bee mite Chaetodactylus krombeini shows distinct morphological adaptations for phoresy relative to other parts of its life cycle.
Commensalism
Videos
Commensalism is a long-term biological interaction in which members of one species gain benefits while those of the other species neither benefit nor are harmed. This is in contrast with mutualism, in
Phoresis
…Phoresis or phoresy is a temporary commensalistic relationship when an organism (a phoront or phoretic) attaches itself to a host organism solely for travel. It has been seen in ticks and mites since…
Remora are specially adapted to attach themselves to larger fish (or other animals, in this case a sea turtle) that provide locomotion and food.
Domestic and feral pigeons (above) (Columba livia domestica) are commensals, having lived alongside humans for thousands of years after being domesticated from the rock dove (Columba livia). Due to its range being expanded with human assistance, the pigeon has a cosmopolitan distribution.
Phoretic mites on a fly (Pseudolynchia canariensis)
Inquilinism: Tillandsia bourgaei growing on an oak tree in Mexico