Unexpected method discovered: Mites hitchhiking hummingbirds use electricity instead of smell or touch. For years, researchers puzzled over how tiny mites attach themselves to flowers before riding on hummingbird beaks. Carlos Garcia-Robledo and his team found that the mites are actually attracted by electric fields generated by the hummingbirds. This discovery came after testing theories involving smells and direct contact, which didn’t work. By experimenting with static electricity, the researchers observed that the mites responded to specific electrical signals tied to the hummingbird’s flight patterns.
The research reveals that mites can detect tiny charges in flowers through their legs, enabling them to board quickly. This method is faster than any previously known and highlights a unique adaptation in these creatures. Garcia-Robledo explained that the mites’ electric signaling allows them to both locate and board their hummingbird partners efficiently.
Funding for this study came from the National Science Foundation, focusing on biodiversity and organismal responses to climate change. This breakthrough could open new insights into animal communication and transportation strategies in nature.
Source: https://today.uconn.edu/2025/01/a-mite-y-use-of-electricity