All moral rights asserted. Recolouring or alteration of the image is prohibited without permission. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of soil microfauna on woody debris from the National Park Northern Black Forest, Germany. At left is a bristle worm, which plays an important role in mixing the humus. At centre is a predatory mite (Gamasina sp. yellow), which feeds on nematodes and other mites. At right is a beetle mite (Phthiracarus sp.). The grey nodules at upper left are the faeces of fungus-eating mites. Mites are important recyclers of organic waste. They live in the upper soil layer up to 5 cm (maximum 10 cm) soil depth. The density of individuals in one square meter of forest soil can be 20,000 to 50,000 animals. This would correspond to a live weight of 8 to 20 kg per hectare. Magnification: x55 when printed at 15cm wide.