How many legs do adult ticks have?

Adult ticks have eight legs. This characteristic is a defining feature of arachnids, the class of joint-legged invertebrates to which ticks belong, along with spiders and scorpions. When ticks are in their larval stage, they possess six legs, but upon maturation into the adult form, they develop an additional pair of legs. This distinction helps differentiate ticks from insects, which typically have six legs in all life stages. Understanding the anatomy of ticks is crucial for recognizing their role in the ecosystem and the importance of prevention and control measures against tick-borne diseases.