Are mites insects? Why?

• A. Yes, because they have 6 legs
• B. No, because they have more than 6 legs
• C. Yes, because they have 2 antennae
• D. No, because they lack segmented bodies

Answer: (B)

Mites are not insects. They belong to the arachnid group, which also includes spiders and ticks. The defining difference here is the number of legs: insects are hexapods with six legs, while arachnids have eight legs in the adult stage. Mites, as adults, typically have eight legs, so the reason that applies is that they have more than six legs.

The other statements don’t fit because insects aren’t defined by having two antennae, and many mites lack antennae entirely. Also, while arachnids do have some body segmentation, the key, reliable difference you’re tested on is the leg count, not the presence of segmentation or antennae.