True or False: Mites are classified as insects.

Mites are classified as arachnids, not insects. This distinction is important in the study of entomology and related fields. Insects belong to the class Insecta, characterized by having three body segments (head, thorax, abdomen), six legs, compound eyes, and typically one or two pairs of wings. In contrast, arachnids, which include spiders, scorpions, ticks, and mites, belong to the class Arachnida. They typically have two body segments (the cephalothorax and abdomen), eight legs, and lack wings. Therefore, classifying mites as insects is incorrect, making the statement false. Understanding this classification helps in managing and identifying pest species effectively within the realm of arboriculture and beyond.