What are mites closely related to?

Mites are closely related to spiders, as both belong to the class Arachnida. This class also includes scorpions and ticks. Mites and spiders share several characteristics, such as having eight legs and a similar body structure, which distinguishes them from insects that have three pairs of legs and a body divided into three segments (head, thorax, and abdomen).

While insects are part of the larger phylum Arthropoda, which includes arachnids, the direct relation of mites is specifically with arachnids, not insects. Mites and insects are two separate classes within the arthropods, hence the distinction.

Mites do not share close relationships with crustaceans or worms. Crustaceans are more closely linked to aquatic environments and have different physical characteristics, while worms belong to a completely different phylum (Annelida) and have distinct anatomical features and habitats. Therefore, the correct identification of mites being closely related to spiders emphasizes their classification within arachnids.