The importance of canopy habitats in maintaining microarthropod diversity is widely recognized, however, the oribatid mite diversity in canopy habitats is severely understudied in Georgia. The investigation aims to: 1) Investigate the canopy dwelling oribatid communities with regard to different forest types (deciduous vs coniferous); 2) Identify the role of canopy as a habitat islands for oribatid diversity The investigation was performed in 2025 in Timotesubani (Lesser Caucasus) and Mariamjvari Reserve (Tsiv- Gombori, eastern Georgia). In each location oak, hornbeam and pine tree stands were studied. Six trees of each species were sampled. From each tree three branches of similar size were cut, cleared from the leaves, cut to the twiglets and placed in plastic bags. Three soil cores of 5cm diameter and 10cm depth were taken around the same tree. Oribatid mites from twigs were extracted using the twig washing technique and from soil – via Berlese funnels. 110 oribatid species were identified in Timotesubani, with 97 species were registered in soil and 23 - in canopy habitats. 93 oribatid species were revealed in Mariamjvari, with 85 species in soil and 11 – in canopy habitats. In spite of significant difference in species richness between the soil and the canopy, canopy population of oribatid mites is very well established and adapted to this habitat. 1740 individuals in total were counted in soil samples in Timotesubani, while canopy oribatid abundance was much higher – 2954 individuals. Similar pattern is followed in Mariamjvari, with 1740 adult oribatids in soil samples and 1859 individuals in canopy. Oribatid mite composition in canopy drastically differed from soil communities. Eight species were only found in canopy. Oribatid mite fauna from canopy of Timotesubani and Mariamjvari habitats was more similar to each other, than the fauna of the canopy and the forest floor from the same location. Two canopy species – Protocepheus sp. and Trichoribates rotundus, are new for Caucasian fauna. There is no significant difference in type of woodland between the soil-inhabiting mites in both locations. In canopy, more diverse and abundant fauna is observed in pine compared to the oak or hornbeam branches. Overall, canopy harbors distinct and abundant oribatid fauna that either is completely absent from soil, or represented in minor number of individuals. Thus, canopy habitats can be regarded as islands for oribatid diversity that contributes to our understanding of functional roles of oriabtid mites in specific microhabitats.