How does mite development differ from insect gradual metamorphosis?

How does mite development differ from insect gradual metamorphosis?

• A. Mites add legs instead of wings during development
• B. Mites add wings during development
• C. Mites skip the larval stage
• D. Mites develop wings in the adult stage

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that mites are arachnids, not insects, so their development doesn’t involve gaining wings. In incomplete metamorphosis, some insects molt and may develop wings as they reach the adult stage. Mites, however, start as larvae with six legs and molt into nymphs and then adults that have eight legs. Wings never appear for mites. So the correct statement is that mites add legs during development rather than wings.

The key idea is that mites are arachnids, not insects, so their development doesn’t involve gaining wings. In incomplete metamorphosis, some insects molt and may develop wings as they reach the adult stage. Mites, however, start as larvae with six legs and molt into nymphs and then adults that have eight legs. Wings never appear for mites. So the correct statement is that mites add legs during development rather than wings.