| Astigmatic mites probably form the most diverse cohort of mites. At present the former order of Astigmatina is ranked within the suborder Oribatida or moss mites. However astigmatic mites occupy a much wider range of habitats than other oribatid mites: from marine coasts to stored food, plant bulbs and houses. The vast majority live as commensals or parasites on a variety of hosts, ranging from insects to birds and mammals, inhabiting the fur, feathers, skin and even lungs and stomach. This first checklist for the Netherlands contains 262 species, but many more are to be expected. Brief data on occurrence and nomenclature are provided for each species. |
