Carabid beetle with mite
These nocturnal beetles are all over the place as soon as winter's chill passes. They trundle along quickly and purposefully, stopping here and there to investigate their surroundings. They're particularly sensitive to the light I use to focus with and most run away when it gets too bright. This individual didn't care too much though and sat still for the better part of a minute. Curiously, many have a mite riding around near their head. I've never seen more than one at a time. I imagine the mites are just passengers along for the ride. Maybe they help keep the beetles clean?