Compost heap mites. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of two turtle mites on the remains of a pumpkin skin in a compost heap. Compost is made by a

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Compost heap mites. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of two turtle mites on the remains of a pumpkin skin in a compost heap. Compost is made by allowing a heap of vegetable trimmings, non- seeding weed plants and grass mowings to degrade. The resulting brown, crumbly compost is dug into soil to provide plants with nutrients. Mites are small 8-legged animals related to the spiders. These turtle mites are found in the upper layers of the heap. They form part of the great diversity of organisms that contribute to the break down of the plant material. Also in the heap are numerous bacteria, protozoa, fungi, worms and insects. Magnification: x20 at 6x6cm size.

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Size: 4809px × 4817px
Photo credit: © EYE OF SCIENCE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, arachnida, compost, cucurbita, decomposed, decomposition, fauna, flora, heap, invertebrates, mite, nature, plant, pumpkin, saprophyte, skin, turtle, wildlife, zoology