Which of the following insects is classified under the order Hemiptera?

The classification of insects under the order Hemiptera includes those that are recognized as "true bugs." This category features insects that typically possess a specialized mouthpart adapted for piercing and sucking, which is a distinguishing characteristic of Hemipterans. Bed bugs and kissing bugs exemplify this order through their feeding habits, as they both feed on the blood of their hosts using their piercing mouthparts.

Bed bugs, for example, are notorious for their presence in homes and their ability to feed on human blood, leading to itchy bites. Kissing bugs, on the other hand, are known for their role in transmitting diseases, specifically Chagas disease in some parts of Central and South America, and they also feed on blood. Their classification in the same order emphasizes the similarities in their structure and feeding mechanisms.

The other options contain insects that belong to different orders. Ants and mosquitoes are classified under Hymenoptera and Diptera, respectively. Fleas and ticks belong to the order Siphonaptera and Arachnida, respectively, while bees and wasps also fall under the order Hymenoptera. This underscores the importance of understanding insect classification in pest control practices, as it can inform the identification and management strategies used for different pest species.