microarthropods
Tiny soil invertebrates
Microarthropods are tiny arthropods—joint-legged invertebrates like mites, springtails, and small insects—typically less than two millimeters long.
The term appears mainly in soil ecology, where these creatures play crucial roles in decomposition and nutrient cycling: Microarthropods break down organic matter in forest litter.
Most are invisible to casual observation but abundant in healthy soils.
Minuscule parasitic arachnids
- springtailsTiny jumping soil creatures
- pseudoscorpionsStingless scorpion-resembling arachnids
- tardigradesMicroscopic invertebrates, extremely resilient
- nematodesCylindrical unsegmented worms
Organisms breaking down dead material
- detritivoresCreatures consuming dead material
- humusDecayed organic soil matter
- mineralizationConversion to mineral form
- mycorrhizaeFungal-root mutualistic associations
External skeletal structure
- chitinArthropod shell polymer
- segmentationDivision into sections
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
- moltingPeriodic shedding of covering
setae · cuticle · appendages · mouthparts · spiracles · gnathosoma
Too small for eyes
- minusculeExtremely small in size
- tinyExtremely small in size
- magnificationDegree of visual enlargement
- extractionAct of removing
Life forms showing environmental conditions
- predator-preyEcological consumption relationship
- dispersalSpreading in many directions
- colonizationForeign territorial takeover
- successionFollowing in order
mites
Minuscule parasitic arachnids
- springtailsTiny jumping soil creatures
- pseudoscorpionsStingless scorpion-resembling arachnids
- tardigradesMicroscopic invertebrates, extremely resilient
decomposers
Organisms breaking down dead material
- detritivoresCreatures consuming dead material
- humusDecayed organic soil matter
- mineralizationConversion to mineral form
mycorrhizae · decomposition · soil-dwelling · interstitial · compost
exoskeleton
External skeletal structure
- chitinArthropod shell polymer
- segmentationDivision into sections
- antennaeSensory appendages on insects
molting · setae · cuticle · appendages · mouthparts · spiracles · gnathosoma
microscopic
Too small for eyes
- minusculeExtremely small in size
- tinyExtremely small in size
- magnificationDegree of visual enlargement
bioindicators
Life forms showing environmental conditions
- predator-preyEcological consumption relationship
- dispersalSpreading in many directions
- colonizationForeign territorial takeover
microarthropodsmegafauna
Species over 44 kilograms
coconut crab · lobsters · giant centipedes · tarantulas · horseshoe crabs