Mites differ from insects in that they have 8 legs and 2 body regions whereas insects have 6 legs and 3 body regions. There is one exception however, young mites or nymphs have only 6 legs in their early stages and gain the 4th pair of legs as they mature. Mites also vary greatly in color as their appearance is a function of the host plant on which they are feeding. Most of the coloration of spider mites results from the accumulation of food material and waste in the body. Consequently, coloration is more pronounced just prior to molting in nymphs and in more mature adults.