By Isabella Lin, Ryan Gabelman, Hillary Poalacin, Luke Sparreo
Apr 28 2026
Mites are an extremely diverse group of arachnids, related to spiders, ticks, and scorpions. In fact, it is estimated that mite diversity numbers over one million species (Stork, 2018) and mites occupy every continent, even Antarctica (Collins et al., 2023)! While mites are most commonly known for their minute size and as problematic pests, they also form many unique and fascinating associations with plants.
Plants and mites interact through a wide range of ecological relationships. From vines that facilitate movement between host plants to trees that provide habitat within specialized leaf structures, plant-mite interactions reveal complex biological connections that are often overlooked. Although mites are frequently viewed only as pests, their interactions with plants show that they can influence plant health, reproduction, and ecosystem processes in diverse ways. Herbarium specimens provide valuable records of these relationships by preserving physical evidence of plant structure, environmental context, and species associations. Observing these relationships highlights the importance of studying organisms across multiple scales, from structures visible to the naked eye to microscopic ecological interactions. By examining preserved specimens such as those displayed in this article, researchers can better understand the intricate networks that shape natural systems.
Take a look at six plants in the NYBG herbarium and learn about their fascinating interactions with mites.