Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a closed beetle, or moss, mite (family Phthiracaroidea) from the Northern Black Forest National Park, Germany. These mites are heavily armoured and can completely close themselves into a sphere. Most beetle mites feed on fallen leaves and wood, which they can digest with the help of intestinal bacteria. Mites are important recyclers of organic waste in and on the soil. They live in the upper soil layer up to 5 cm (maximum 10 cm) soil depth. The density of individuals on one square meter of forest ground can be 20,000 to 50,000 animals. This would correspond to a live weight of 8 to 20 kg per hectare. Magnification: x130 when printed at 15cm wide.