Soil Acarology

The Acarology Summer Program is offering a three-week intensive course on soil mites May 25-June 12, 2026 at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. This three-week course concentrates on the Acari associated with soil and litter habitats. Week one will be devoted to Mesostigmata, the second week to Endeostigmata & Oribatida, and the third week to Prostigmata. The main emphasis will be on the identification and systematics of both adults and immatures, but this course will have a strong secondary emphasis on ecology and life-history. Additionally, topics like collecting and curation techniques for each major group of mites will be covered.

This course involves long hours, often 9-10 hours per day, roughly 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. or later each day. Most days are spent listening to lectures and identifying mites through the microscope. Participants must be able to spend long hours looking through the microscope in order to get the most out of the workshop. All necessary materials will be supplied by the program.

· Experience Fayetteville

· Getting Here

Housing Information

Housing will be on campus, just a few minutes’ walk from the classroom located on the University of Arkansas campus in the Agricultural Building, in suite-style dormitory rooms with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, washer and dryer, and kitchen. Each participant will have their own bedroom. The apartment complex has a community center including fitness equipment. Participants may find their own housing options but will be responsible for getting themselves to the program each day. Housing costs include linens. Meals are not covered in the costs and are the responsibility of each participant.

About the Series

In its 71st year (and fourth year at the University of Arkansas), the Acarology Summer Program will once again offer courses to teach researchers, technicians, and students from around the world how to recognize and identify mites. Instructors will be brought in to share their expertise in mite biology, collection, identification, and management using specimens from the University of Arkansas collections. Whether you're new to mites or hoping to expand your breadth of knowledge, come join the long legacy of acarologists that have attended the Acarology Summer Program.

Prior Learning

This professional skills training course is beginner friendly, with no prior experience with mites required. The course is designed to build interest in Acarology and help participants prepare for future work with mites. To ensure success, students should:

· Be prepared to spend many hours seated at a microscope examining mites. No prior experience working with microscopes is required.

· Be comfortable reading and understanding English, as all materials are provided in English.

· Have basic computer skills, including navigating the internet, downloading/uploading files, and using applications like Word, PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat.

These foundational skills will help you engage fully with our courses.

Student Discount

Currently enrolled students are eligible for a 20% discount on the course fee. Scroll down for current discount codes.