Spider mites are related to which type of arthropods?

Spider mites are classified within the subclass Acari, which places them in the same class as spiders, ticks, and scorpions. This classification highlights their closer biological relationship to these arachnids rather than to insects, crustaceans, or myriapods (centipedes and millipedes).

Understanding the taxonomy of arthropods is essential to grasping why spider mites align with this group. While insects fall within a separate class, and crustaceans are typically associated with aquatic environments, spider mites share several key characteristics with spiders and ticks, such as having eight legs in their adult stages and a similar body structure. The commonality in their evolutionary lineage places spider mites distinctly among spiders, ticks, and scorpions, making this option the most accurate choice.