Samples of leaf-litter (900 cm2 of surface
area) and top soil layer (0-2 cm depth) were
collected into plastic bags and brought back
to the laboratory within 48 hours (see
Material examined for collection data).
Mites were extracted into 70% (v/v) ethanol
using Tullgren funnels with 25-Watt light
bulbs for seven days, sorted under a
stereomicroscope and then transferred to
60% (v/v) lactic acid for clearing. They
were observed in this medium in a cavity
slide under a compound microscope.
Drawings were made with the aid of a
camera lucida attached to the microscope.