Could the acarid mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) be used as an environmental thermometer?

A proof-of-concept for the reconstruction of historical temperatures from museum collections a commonly-occurring saprophagous mite is recounted. Technological readiness level 3 (TRL3) and TRL4 stage-gates were passed multiplex bioassay ambient temperature using re-purposed laboratory data setal body sizes female Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Acaridae: Astigmata) individuals. Higher yielded smaller mites with shorter setae. Partial predictive utility environmental composite scale measure was found field-collected in UK (≡TRL5 validation use). Tyrophagid size wild appears individually variable confounded cooler seasons through possible local heating effects (perhaps by virtue their presence numbers). Mite shape may change seasonally. Geographically dispersed detailed data-logging micro-temperatures field together targeted collection characterization at same locations measures density needed order to advance such biotechnology any demonstration effective use all year round (≡TRL6) final research.