Variation and distribution of body shapes of Acarina within oak leaf litter.

Abstract

1. There is more temperature and moisture fluctuation in the upper layer of the litter sample than in lower (Ao). 2. No mite group studied was confined in all four samples to only 1 litter level -- they are represented at least sparsely in all. 3. Toward the end of the summer there was a trend among the white (Parasitidae) and brown (Hermaniidae and Carabodidae) mites toward higher reproduction. 4. Within 1 body type several families or orders can be represented. 5. Mites do not migrate vertically to follow temporary moisture (as would result from a rainfall). 6. There is a trend (not definite and clean cut) toward mites with harder cuticles or plates in upper layers; while those with softer cuticles occur more often in lower layers.