Oribatid mite
Scientific Name: Oribatida (Order level)
Order & Family: Order: Oribatida; Families vary (e.g., Galumnidae)
Size: 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm
Natural Habitat
Soil, leaf litter, moss, and tree bark; occasionally found indoors on houseplants or organic debris.
Diet & Feeding
Primary decomposers that eat fungi, algae, and decaying plant matter (detritivores).
Behavior Patterns
Slow-moving and non-aggressive; often called 'beetle mites' or 'moss mites' due to their hard, turtle-like shells.
Risks & Benefits
Beneficial to ecosystems as they help break down organic matter and improve soil fertility; they are harmless to humans and do not bite or infest structures.
Identified on: 2/5/2026