Which of these insects is known as a chewing insect?

Termites are classified as chewing insects because they possess mandibles that allow them to chew through wood, plant material, and other fibrous substances. This chewing mechanism is essential for their feeding habits, as they consume cellulose, which is found in the cell walls of plants. Their ability to break down and digest this tough material plays a significant role in their ecology, especially in nutrient recycling within ecosystems.

In contrast, the other insects listed have different feeding mechanisms. Mosquitoes utilize a specialized mouthpart called a proboscis for piercing and sucking liquids, typically blood from their hosts. Fruit flies primarily feed on decaying organic matter and have mouthparts suited for sponging up liquids rather than chewing. Bed bugs also use a proboscis to pierce their host's skin and feed on blood. Thus, termites uniquely exemplify chewing insects due to their specific anatomical adaptations and feeding strategies.