Effects of habitat age and plant species on predatory mites (Acari, Mesostigmata) in grassy arable fallows in Eastern Austria

► Mite density was significantly affected by plant species identity. ► A bottom-up effect of resource quantity up to predator level was found. ► Mite density in legume samples decreased with advancing habitat age. ► Mite species composition differed between the three chosen plant species. ► Mite species composition differed between young, mid-aged and old fallows.