Soil and plant-inhabiting predatory mites: Vertical distribution and novel biological agents captured via bio-bait fishing

Abstract: Plant and soil inhabiting predatory mites play a crucial role in pest control. Among
them, phytoseiids stand out as the most dominant group of predatory mites on trees and shrubs. The abundance and diversity of phytoseiids are influenced by various factors. Notably, in temperate zones evergreen plants not only support predatory mites for overwintering, but also harbour a distinct predatory mite fauna, which is essential for their conservation efforts. In addition to phytoseiids, other groups of predatory mites also distribute on weeds. Soil of natural habitats harbour a diverse range of predatory mites. Predatory mites occurring in the soil exhibit specific morphological adaptations that facilitate movement and feeding in this environment. Furthermore, a method is proposed for capturing potential generalist predatory mite from the field, allowing a preselection for those feeding on astigmatid factitious prey.