Which insect order is characterized by insects with chewing mouthparts?

Insects belonging to the Orthoptera order are characterized by having chewing mouthparts. This adaptation allows them to feed on a variety of vegetation, as they predominantly consume leaves, stems, and other plant materials. Common examples of insects in this order include grasshoppers, crickets, and locusts, all of which utilize their strong mandibles to effectively chew and process plant matter.

The presence of chewing mouthparts is crucial for feeding strategies, especially for herbivorous insects like those in Orthoptera. These mouthparts enable them to damage and break down tough plant fibers, facilitating nutrient extraction from their food sources.

Other orders listed have diverse mouthparts suited to their specific feeding habits but do not primarily feature chewing mouthparts. For instance, Thysanura (bristletails) and Collembola (springtails) do not have the same chewing adaptations, and Blattodea (cockroaches and termites), while some do possess chewing mouthparts, are more commonly associated with other feeding mechanisms in social species, especially termites. Therefore, the unique characteristic of chewing mouthparts in Orthoptera aligns it with the feeding habits typical of these insects, making it the correct answer.