Multiparasitism of water mite larvae (Acari: Hydrachnidiae) on a single midge (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Multiparasitism by different species of larval water mites was observed on an adult midge collected in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Water mite larvae Hygrobates sp. and Unionicola inactive stage were discovered from a single chironomid female the subfamily Chironominae. Eight parasitized dorsum, four venter first to fourth abdominal segments midge. One attached trochanter left midleg one femur right midleg. Their attachment sites accorded well with site preferences these two genera, as reported past studies. Considering preference for specific legs, partitioning between seems have originated intrinsic each taxon rather than interspecific competition. On other hand, less-engorged among fully engorged Such developmental variations are possibly caused intraspecific competition nutrients conspecific host individual.