Which soybean pest prefers to feed on the upper leaf surface?

The correct answer is that the spider mite prefers to feed on the upper leaf surface of soybean plants. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that use their specialized mouthparts to puncture leaf cells and feed on the contents. This feeding behavior typically occurs on the upper surfaces of leaves, where they cause stippling and discoloration. The upper leaf surface is also where environmental factors like sunlight and temperature can influence the spider mite's activity.

Lacewings, on the other hand, are beneficial insects that feed on pests like aphids and caterpillars, rather than being pests themselves. Leafhoppers, primarily known for their movement and feeding on the underside of leaves, may not prefer the upper surface for feeding. Aphids often cluster on the lower leaf surfaces where they can find shelter from predators, further differentiating their feeding behavior from that of spider mites, which specifically thrive and feed on the upper leaf surfaces of soybean plants.