As an
intrinsic part of their life cycle, the larvae need to find an insect host,
climb onto its back, drill a hole through its exoskeleton and feed on the
(still living) insect’s bodily fluids! Whilst it is being quietly sucked dry,
the insect is still mobile – this is key for the mite’s survival – allowing it
to end up far from where it originally hatched, therefore reducing competition
for food and living space. Once it has drunk its vampiric fill, the larva will
drop off and pupate into a nymph where it transforms into an active predator
and preys on every insect it can find!
--- Africa Geographic
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