All ticks are hard-bodied insects. True or False?

Ticks belong to the subclass Acari, which includes both hard-bodied and soft-bodied varieties. The statement that all ticks are hard-bodied is false because there are two primary families of ticks: Ixodidae (hard ticks) and Argasidae (soft ticks). Hard ticks have a tough outer shield called a scutum, while soft ticks do not have this structure and have a more leathery appearance. This distinction is crucial in understanding tick biology and their classification, as it helps in determining the appropriate methods for control and management, particularly in a pesticide structural context. Therefore, stating that all ticks are hard-bodied is incorrect, as it overlooks the presence of soft-bodied ticks in the tick family.