Digitalseed Index
 Digital Composter
 Worldwide Gardener
The Composter
Common Ground
Digital Gardener
San Diego Gardener

Back to...
What is Compost?

Actinomycetes
Bacteria
Fungi

Ants
Beetles
Centipedes
Fruit Beetle
Millipedes
Mites
Redworms
Sowbugs
Springtails


Mites

Mites are the second most common invertebrate found in compost. They have eight leg-like jointed appendages. Some can be seen with the naked eye and others are microscopic. Some can be seen hitching rides on the back of other faster moving invertebrates such as sow bugs, millipedes and beetles. Some scavenge on leaves, rotten wood, and other organic debris. Some species eat fungi, yet others are predators and feed on nematodes, eggs, insect larvae and other mites and springtails. Some are both free living and parasitic. One very common compost mite is globular in appearance, with bristling hairs on its back and red-orange in color.




Digitalseed Index | Digital Gardener | Digital Composter | San Diego Gardener | Worldwide Gardener

[Contact Info] [Credits and Technical Info] [Copyright © 1998]
Last update: Thu, Feb 25, 1999.
www.Digitalseed.com