There are approximately 60, 000 described species of mites, although this figure almost certainly represents less than 10% of the total diversity throughout the world. Mites are small-bodied arachnids that have adapted to a range of habitats, including deserts, tundra, forest canopy, freshwater and even deep ocean. Whereas there are numerous parasitic and commensal species on animals and plants, there are also many different species of free-living soil mites that have significant roles in decomposition and nutrient recycling.