Hypopodes (deutonymphs) of Hemisarcoptes coccophagus Meyer (Astigmata Hemisarcoptidae), a parasite of armored scale insects (Homoptera Diaspididae), had a contagious distribution while dispersing on their vector, Chilocorus bipustulatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). When appearing in low numbers, most deutonymphs aggregated on one of the beetle s elytra, whereas when occurring in higher numbers they were evenly distributed on both elytra. The hypopodes strongly preferred the subelytral margins (especially their anterior-lateral parts) for attachment. These areas lack microsetae which are dense at the elytras center. Deutonymphs were unable to complete their ontogenesis without staying a minimum of 48 hours under the vectors elytra. Optimal contact-time with the beetles was 4-6 days, a period which induced ca 30% hypopodial moltings. Host scales were not essential for apolysis, but their presence increased deutonymphal molting success. The significance of these results for enhancing the effectiveness of mite releases in the field is discussed.