Mites

Hans Klompen. 2026. Mites. In Rattan Lal. Encyclopedia of Soil Science (3rd ed.). Ch 342. CRC Press.  DOI: 10.1081/e-ess3

Abstract

Mites (Acari) form the most diverse lineage of Chelicerata. The basal division within Acari is between the orders, Parasitiformes and Acariformes. The former includes the Ixodida (ticks) and the Mesostigmata, a highly diverse lineage that is well-represented in soils. These mites tend to be relatively large, often with very discrete shields.