The oribatid mite Scheloribates moestus (Acari: Oribatida) alters litter chemistry and nutrient cycling during decomposition

► Potential effects of S. moestus on litter decomposition and chemical transformation. ► S. moestus stimulated microbial activity and increased water-extractable C and N. ► Mites caused relative decrease in polysaccharides in corn but not oak litter. ► Mite feces had relatively more polysaccharide and phenol and less lignin than litter. ► Effects of S. moestus on decomposition processes are dependent upon litter quality.