Bacterial diversity of bryophyte-dominant biological soil crusts and associated mites

► We inventoried bacterial communities of bryophytic soil crusts and associated mites. ► Diverse bacterial communities were associated with both crusts and mites. ► Mite and crust libraries shared 15 of 18 phyla, but only 20 OTUs0.03. ► We found 7 novel Rickettsiella and several potential symbionts. ► The bacteria of bryophytic BSCs are distinct from cyanobacterial BSCs and soils.