THE ACARIXA OR MITES— BAXKS. 



69 



have no eyes, yet have a (juick appreciation of light and darkness. 



and prefer the hitter. It is quite possible that the pseudo-stig-niata 



are organs of hearing. 



The food of the Orihatidte 

 is usually of vegetal^le na- 

 ture, but a few species affect 

 decayinganinial matter; one 

 of our common species is 

 usually found on bones. 

 Many feed on lichens and 

 fungi, and some bore into de- 

 caying wood. Several kinds 

 are found on the bark of li\'- 

 ing trees, and others under 

 dead bark. Many species 



Fit;. loO. — Oribata uRAcn.irKs. 



Fig. 131.— Vknter (if oribata. 



occur in moss, but do not necessarily feed upon it. Most species are 

 slow in traveling, and often, when disturbed, feign death. Man}' of 

 the adult mites carrv their molted skins and other rubbish on their l)ack. 



Fig. 132.— Claw ok an oribata. 



Fig. 133.— Larva of a.n urip.at.\. 



Practically none of the Oribatidte are of economic importance, A 

 few have been recorded as damaging grass; l)ut as a whole they prob- 



