Mites are microscopic insects that live in soil. They are not always visible to the naked eye, but can be distinguished by a microscope. In areas where soil is rich in nitrogen, you are likely to find Astigmata, Gasamid, or Mesostigmata mites.
Oribatid
If you’ve ever wondered what Oribatid mites look and act like in soil, then you’ve come to the right place. These tiny creatures span the entire trophic spectrum, from detritivores at the base of the soil to predators at the top.
While we don’t know the origin of oribatid mites, we know that they feed on a variety of resources in soil. The association of soil fauna with decomposition processes is ancient. In Pennsylvanian coal swamps, for example, oribatid mites were found in all the major taxa, and consumed nearly every type of plant litter tissue. Moreover, these creatures also predated the emergence of termites and other holometabolous wood-boring insects.
In the soil, oribatid mites inhabit an architecturally complex matrix of soil particles that vary in size, shape, and depth. It is unclear how this diversity arose, but it is likely to coincide with major changes in soil food webs during the Paleozoic.
Astigmata
Astigmata mites are brown in color and do not act very differently from other mites. They feed on smaller insects and fungi. Some species of astigmata are predatory while others are beneficial parasites. They are found in both soil and plants.
Although they do not look like much, Astigmata mites are important in the ecosystem. They live in moist, dark areas and prefer organic matter. These mites have hard exoskeletons, and can live for up to 7 years. They feed on organic matter and have a preference for decaying organic matter. They can be found in garden soil and compost bins.
Astigmata mites are not dangerous to humans, but they can cause damage to plants. In addition to feeding on the plants, they also feed on other harmful insects. Hence, it’s important to get rid of these mites as soon as possible.
Gasamid
Gasamid mites are small, white bugs that live in the soil. They are not harmful to plants but their presence in large numbers is an indication of infestation. You can easily recognize this type of soil mite with the help of a microscope. These tiny bugs can be found in many soil types, depending on the locality and the types of vegetation present.
Gasamid soil mites have a mushroom-shaped body and a tiny head. They live for up to two years and feed on organic material. They are most common in arable soils, where the level of nematodes is high.
Mesostigmata
The diversity and abundance of Mesostigmata is regulated by a number of factors, including the pH of the soil, the presence of beneficial bacteria, and the presence of secondary decomposers such as nematodes and collembolas. The presence of fungi may also influence Mesostigmata, as they can act as food resources or as secondary decomposers.
The Mesostigmata family is comprised of a variety of parasitic mite species. The majority of these mites are hematophagous, meaning that they feed on blood. They prefer warm objects and will attack humans if their normal host cannot feed them. They are also known to feed on plant roots.
The species of Mesostigmata is found in a variety of habitats, including soil, litter, and plant surfaces. They can disperse rapidly and are important predators of Collembola and Nematoda. Their presence on plants can help control pests such as spider mites. Mesostigmata are also useful as bioindicators in soil mesofauna and agroecosystems.
Deep soil
Mites that live in deep soils tend to be small and soft, with elongated bodies. This type of body shape helps them navigate tight spaces between the mineral particles in the soil. Most species of deep soil mites are aquatic, because the soil is moist and contains water in its interstitial spaces.
Mites that live in deep soil are mostly fungivores and detritivores. They belong to two major subgroups, the sarcoptiform and oribatid. They are slow-moving creatures that take three years to complete their life cycle. Soft-bodied juveniles may burrow into the soil, where they may feed on decomposing leaves.
Origamid mites are closely related to scorpions and spiders, but they are harmless to humans. They play an important role in decomposing organic matter and cycling soil nutrients. Origamid mites are found in forests around the world, and can reach a density of 500,000 per square meter.
