Build-A-Mite Construction Site

Mites come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Some, like the magnified mite shown here, are no bigger than a needle's point.

Many mites are harmful to humans, livestock, pets, or wildlife. Others only pester crops or munch on dead skin cells, insect debris, or microbes such as bacteria.

Some mites even have usefulness as natural weed controls. But did you know that mites aren't insects? They're more closely related to spiders, ticks, and scorpions, which belong to group called arachnids (say "a-RACK-nids").

Want to learn more about these critters? Then click here for page two to read on (If you've arrived from Agricultural Research magazine, then skip directly to the mite cut-out page by clicking here for page four).