oribatid mite

arachnid

Also known as: Oribatida, beetle mite, horny mite

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Oribatid mites, also known as beetle mites, are a superfamily of small, oval, eyeless mites belonging to the subclass Acari within the class Arachnida. They are characterized by a heavily sclerotized, leathery integument.12

These mites are commonly found in soil and humus, and occasionally on tree trunks and foliage. They are generally not harmful and may play a role in the breakdown of organic matter. While most oribatid mites are harmless, a few species can act as intermediate hosts for tapeworm parasites in cattle and other ruminants.23

Oribatid mites are among the most numerous soil arthropods and are important for soil fertility. They are part of the superorder Acariformes, which includes a vast diversity of mites and ticks found in nearly every habitat worldwide.32

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acarid
Annotated classification
Suborder Oribatida (oribatid or beetle mites)Usually strongly sclerotized and slow moving, 0.2–1.5 mm in size; eyes and stigmata absent; pseudostigmata generally present, palps without claws, 3–5 segments; chelicerae usually chelate; rutella present; tarsi with 1–3 claws; ventrally with various shields; majority terrestrial in forest humus and soil, a…
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Suborder Oribatida (oribatid or beetle mites)Usually strongly sclerotized and slow moving, 0.2–1.5 mm in size; eyes and stigmata absent; pseudostigmata generally present, palps without claws, 3–5 segments; chelicerae usually chelate; rutella present; tarsi with 1–3 claws; ventrally with various shields; majority terrestrial in forest humus and soil, a…
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mite
The order Oribatida (oribatid, or beetle, mites) of the superorder Acariformes occur in soil and humus and occasionally on tree trunks and foliage. In general, they are not harmful and may play a role in the breakdown of organic matter. A few species transmit tapeworms to cattle…
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The order Oribatida (oribatid, or beetle, mites) of the superorder Acariformes occur in soil and humus and occasionally on tree trunks and foliage. In general, they are not harmful and may play a role in the breakdown of organic matter. A few species transmit tapeworms to cattle…
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acarid
Importance
The beetle mites (Oribatida) are among the most numerous soil arthropods. These mites are important in the development of soil fertility. Some also act as intermediate hosts for important tapeworm parasites of domestic animals.
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The beetle mites (Oribatida) are among the most numerous soil arthropods. These mites are important in the development of soil fertility. Some also act as intermediate hosts for important tapeworm parasites of domestic animals.
Read More