If the arthropod kingdom freaks you out, you might get a bit itchy learning about an Ontario species of beetle that feeds on rotting flesh, and is regularly found covered in swarms of tiny mites.

The Tomentose burying beetle, known by its scientific name of Nicrophorus tomentosus, is like the budget airline of the insect world thanks to a mutualistic relationship with tiny mites that will probably make your skin crawl.

Tomentose burying beetles share mutualistic relationships with other species of insects — most notably small phoretic mites that swarm on the bodies of N. tomentosus in a type of mutualism known as phoresis, where species like mites use their host organism as a means of travel.

Burying beetles are typically found in areas near small animal carcasses like dead rodents and birds, in a worldwide range that includes much of North America and the entirety of Ontario.

Measuring up to 19 millimetres with distinctive orange bands, it can often be difficult to see the insect's features thanks to the tiny arachnids often found crawling all over its body.

These beetles use extra sensitive antennae that contain olfactory organs, helping them detect carriers from long distances. As the species name suggests, these beetles are known to bury their finds for their forthcoming brook of larvae, who will then feed on the decaying carcass.

And this is where the tiny swarms of mites come in.

Mites will travel on beetles to the latter's primary source of food, carrion, where the mites feed on fly eggs deposited on the carcass. 

This relationship provides a source of travel and food for the mites while also being beneficial for N. tomentosus through the mites' elimination of competing food sources and other parasites that could get in the way of the beetle's primary goal of reproduction.

What are they?!
byu/fuzzybubby inwhatsthisbug

N. tomentosus and mites essentially work together in a partnership that mutually maintains the balance of nutrients in local ecosystems and cuts down on pests — landing these beetles firmly in the "do not squish" category of creepy-crawlies, however revolting they may appear.