What is a common prey item for many arthropods, particularly predatory species?

Predatory arthropods often have a varied diet that includes organic materials, which can encompass a range of substances, such as decaying plant matter, dead animals, and other decomposing organic matter. These nutrients provide essential energy and are crucial for survival and reproduction. Many predatory species utilize these organic materials as a food source, which not only supports their growth but also contributes to the ecosystem by participating in the breakdown and recycling of nutrients.

Living plants, while they may serve as a habitat or a site for hunting, are not the primary food source for these predatory arthropods. Similarly, wood, although a source of organic material, is not typically consumed by predatory species. Moonlight, while it may influence the behavior of various organisms, does not serve as a food source. Thus, organic materials represent the most accurate and broader category that encapsulates what predatory arthropods might feed on, thereby making it the correct choice.