phoresy
/ˈfɔrəsi/
noun
- A relationship between two organisms in which one travels on the body of another without being a parasite, usually for the purpose of dispersal.
- The scientist studied phoresy in forest ecosystems, observing how tiny arthropods travel on birds.
- Phoresy is common among pseudoscorpions, which cling to larger insects for transport.
- Mites often use phoresy to hitch a ride on beetles to reach new habitats.