Introduction 5 



tened camel's-hair brush will be found helpful in the field. Water-color 

 brushes sizes to 2 are best. Larger brushes are difficult to use. Al- 

 though mites are small and fragile little injury to them results when 

 they are picked up on the point of a brush. Iris forceps and dissecting 

 forceps are helpful in manipulating the larger specimens and the small 

 specimen vials. In picking up a mite with a pair of forceps it is desir- 

 able to avoid using the tips of the forceps. If the mite is grasped be- 

 tween the prongs of the forceps a few millimeters from the tip, usually 

 no harm will come to the specimen since the tips of the forceps will 

 come together first and thus protect the specimen when only light 

 pressure is applied. 



Free-living terrestrial mites are usually found in collections of or- 

 ganic debris, such as the upper layers of the soil. Many specimens will 

 be found in the litter and litter-like accumulations found in cavities or 

 forks of trees and bushes. Rotten logs and the soil beneath them are 

 favored by some mites. The soil beneath rocks frequently produces 

 soil-inhabiting species. Many plant feeders are to be found near the 

 roots, leaves, and buds of plants or in the gills of many mushrooms. 

 Beds of moss are usually very productive. Plants or parts of plants that 

 appear abnormal should be particularly investigated. Most mites re- 

 quire a moist environment. For this reason damp soil and debris will 

 yield more specimens than dry. During wet weather many species that 

 ordinarily live in the upper layers of the soil will be found in the 

 litter. 



A white or black enamel or porcelain saucer or tray is helpful in 

 examining material in the field. A small portion of the material to be 

 examined is placed on the tray. It is then picked over bit by bit. Many 

 mites will fall onto the tray where they will be visible against its shiny, 

 smooth surface. Once detected, the specimen should be chased away 

 from the debris and after it has cleaned itself it can be picked up with 

 a cameFs-hair brush and placed in a vial. Any mites seen on the ma- 

 terial in the tray should be forced out on a clean portion so that no 

 debris is added to the vial. This precaution should be heeded especially 

 when soil is being examined. Once a mite that has soil adhering to it is 

 placed in alcohol it is practically impossible to cleanse it. The tray can 

 be used in another manner also. Many mites, especially chiggers, will 

 investigate any new object brought into their environment. Therefore, 

 if the tray is placed on the ground and left for several minutes it will 

 frequently acquire specimens that can be removed and placed into 

 vials. 



