Introduction
The Acarology Department (study of mites) came into existence as an independent department at the National Museum in 1969. Prof R. van Pletzen, former Head of Zoology at the University of the Free State, started the oribatid mite taxonomy research. One of his students, Dr C.M. Engelbrecht, took up a post at the National Museum in 1969 and continued the research at the Museum. The research focus at the University changed and the collection of specimens and literature was donated to the Museum. Dr Engelbrecht collected widely throughout South Africa, augmenting the collection fourfold. After his appointment as Director of the Museum in 1985, the research was taken over by Louise Coetzee and Lorinda Grobler. Lorinda left the Museum in 2004 and was replaced by Dr Lizel Hugo-Coetzee.
What are oribatid mites?
Oribatid mites, also known as soil mites or moss mites, belong to the Phylum Chelicerata, Class Arachnida, Subclass Acari, Order Oribatida (=Cryptostigmata). They range in size from 0.2 - 1mm and occur mainly in the top layer of soil and in plant debris. Certain species also live on plants, in mosses and lichens and in the marine littoral zone. They make up an important component of soil decomposers and are responsible for breaking up plant litter and for recycling of minerals, thereby playing an important role in soil fertility.