This website was originally designed to showcase the mite images obtained using LTSEM techniques at the USDA-ARS Electron Microscopy Unit. However, in developing this site, it became apparent that, in order to show a broader audience the exciting images we were capturing, we should provide an overview of the fascinating world of mites and the role that they play in our lives. The emphasis of our presentation concerns the mite research program in the Systematic Entomology Laboratory which continues to improve our understanding of these biologically and economically important arthropods.

This site is maintained by Ethan Kane, USDA-ARS Systematic Entomology Laboratory, who initated this project in 2000 while a graduate student in the Department of Entomology at the University of Maryland, College Park. Narrative content is developed in collaboration with Dr. Ronald Ochoa, USDA-ARS Systematic Entomology Laboratory. The SEM images were taken by Eric Erbe, USDA-ARS Electron Microscopy Unit, and most of the digitization work was done by Chris Pooley, USDA-ARS Electron Microscopy Unit.

As with most projects, many other individuals have contributed to the content of this site. We greatly appreciate their input and assistance, and have recognized their contributions in the appropriate sections of the site.