I Spotted this fly with a red blob on its back and it seems to be a red mite that has attached itself to it. I find things like this fascinating. I know birds get mites but didn't realise insects suffer the same problem.
When I look at my insects under teh microscope, it's surprising how many are carrying mites or are affected by parasitoids. You really don't want to do this before bed or else your mind is full of frightening images as you try to fall off to sleep. I have never seen something as impressive as this mite, though.
