What is a mite?

Mites are a very diverse group of arachnids that range from free-living soil species to parasites on plants and animals. They belong to the same broader lineage as ticks, spiders, and scorpions but are usually much smaller. Some mites help decompose organic matter and are important in ecosystems, while others are agricultural pests or cause skin conditions in animals and humans. Because of their size, many mites go unnoticed unless they are very numerous or affect crops, food stores, or health. The group contains tens of thousands of described species, with many more still undiscovered.