Heavy metal sensitivity and bioconcentration in oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida)

► Responses of oribatid mites to metal contamination along a gradient in meadow soils were studied. ► Small concentrations of heavy metals positively influenced the abundance of oribatid mites. ► Four different responses of oribatid species to heavy metal pollution were recognised. ► Bioaccumulation of the toxic metal and essential elements proceeded differently in oribatid species. ► Five studied oribatid species were deconcentrators of cadmium.