Which statement about mites is true?

Which statement about mites is true?

• A. They have eight legs as adults
• B. They have four legs as adults
• C. They are not insects
• D. They are true insects

Answer: (A)

Mites are arachnids, not insects, and the key identifying trait is that adults have eight legs. Insects have six legs, so eight legs in the adult stage clearly distinguishes mites (and other arachnids) from insects. It's also common for mites to start life with six legs and gain two more as they molt into adults, but the adult form consistently has eight legs. This eight‑leg feature is the most specific, reliable fact used to identify mites in practice. While it's true they are not insects, the eight‑leg characteristic provides a direct, testable distinction.

Mites are arachnids, not insects, and the key identifying trait is that adults have eight legs. Insects have six legs, so eight legs in the adult stage clearly distinguishes mites (and other arachnids) from insects. It's also common for mites to start life with six legs and gain two more as they molt into adults, but the adult form consistently has eight legs. This eight‑leg feature is the most specific, reliable fact used to identify mites in practice. While it's true they are not insects, the eight‑leg characteristic provides a direct, testable distinction.