Mites

Mites living in moss

Mites, usually Oribatid Mites, are usually present in any moss sample, particularly from dense mats such as those formed by the moss Hypnum cupressiformae, which often covers drystone wall tops. There are thousands of mite species, making identification a very specialist job. They are important in breaking down organic material such as fallen leaves and also eat fungi and algae. This has the effect of recycling nutrients. Most are less than a millimeter in size.