Moldenke, Andrew R.; Fichter, Becky L. 1988. Invertebrates of the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, western Cascade Mountains, Oregon: IV. The oribatid mites (Acari: Cryptostigmata). Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW-217. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station. 112 p.
A fully illustrated key is presented for identifying genera of oribatid mites knownfrom or suspected of occurring in the Pacific Northwest. The manual includes an
introduction detailing sampling methodology; an illustrated glossary of all
terminology used; two color plates of all taxa from the H. J. Andrews ExperimentalForest; a diagrammatic key to the 16 major groups of adult oribatids; illustrationsto aid in quick recognition of the 16 adult groups; keys to all adult genera; and a
diagrammatic key to the major types of immature oribatid mites with local speciesillustrated. The text on adults is broken into 16 sections, each structured around akey to the genera within each major type of oribatid mite; the text associated withthe keys describes each species from the Andrews Forest, its microhabitat preference,
pattern of abundance, and seasonal phenology. A total of 246 scanning electronmicrographs (with pointers indicating characters useful for identification) areprovided to help in identifying species.
Keywords: oribatid mites, soil ecology, key.