Like all arachnids, mites and ticks have 4 pairs of legs, pincer-like mouthparts called “chelicerae,” 2 antennae-like appendages near the mouth called “pedipalps,” and no antennae. Although all arachnids have 2 main body segments (cephalothorax and abdomen), on mites and ticks the segments are fused and appear to be 1 large segment. Like spiders and most other arachnids, adult mites have 8 legs, while some immature stages have 6 legs.
Okay, So What is a Tick?
A tick is a type of mite: the word “tick” is used to describe large, parasitic mite species that attach themselves to hosts for several days at a time.
SIZE: Most mites are very small (less than 1/10″). Some ticks can grow to about 1/4″.
There are a number of serious mite and tick pests. Spider mites, clover mites, and red mites damage crops and decorative plants. Many tick species transmit diseases to animals and humans, and some mites are pests of honey bee hives.