Question

Predaceous insect which restrains its prey by sheer mechanical strength and then tears it to pieces with powerful mandibles is:

• A. Cockroach
• B. Grasshopper
• C. Mantis
• D. Predatory Mite

Hint:

Predatory mites are important biological control agents in greenhouse and field crop ecosystems.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Predatory mites capture and immobilize prey with strong mechanical action and use their chelicerae (mandibles) to tear prey apart.
Unlike mantises, which use forelegs for capture, predatory mites rely on their powerful mouthparts and claws.
Cockroaches and grasshoppers are primarily herbivores.

Answer 2

Alternate approach - eliminate by capture mechanism:
Cockroaches are largely scavenging omnivores, not specialised predators relying on mechanical restraint of prey.
Grasshoppers are herbivorous, feeding on plant tissue rather than capturing live prey.
Mantis species do use raptorial forelegs to seize prey, but they grip with their front legs rather than relying purely on sheer body strength before shredding with mandibles - so this does not match "restrains by sheer mechanical strength" as precisely.
The remaining option, Predatory mite, physically overpowers and pins prey using strong claws and body strength before tearing it apart with its chelicerae, matching the description given in the question.