Learn about Soil Mites
Mites are tiny eight legged creatures that live in soils and plants. They help in the decomposition (break down) of organic matter such as fungi, leaf litter and algae and recycle these into hummus (the top layer of soil). Although mites are microscopic (very small), some mites can eat other living microscopic creatures in the soil.
Living in symbiosis (different species working together)
There is an awesome relationship here in Aotearoa between mites and our native coprosma species. Our native coprosmas are threatened by a horrible fungus that likes to block the sunlight- which plants need to make their food. Luckily, mites like to eat this fungus! Over time the coprosma species’ and mites have evolved (changed) together. During this evolution, coprosma started to form little ‘caves’ in the underside of their leaves near the veins. These act as perfect homes for the mites who in turn defend the plants from the fungus- team work!