An example of an insect with piercing, sucking mouthparts is a _____.

An example of an insect with piercing, sucking mouthparts is a _____.

• A. Aphid
• B. Grasshopper
• C. Carpet beetle
• D. Caterpillar

Answer: (A)

Insects show different mouthpart types that match how they feed. Piercing-sucking mouthparts use slender stylets to puncture plant tissue and suck out fluids, like sap. This adaptation is strong in aphids, which feed by inserting their needle-like mouthparts into plant phloem to siphon sap. The other insects here have chewing mouthparts: grasshoppers use sturdy mandibles to bite and tear leaves, carpet beetles have mouthparts for chewing various materials, and caterpillars (larval moths/butterflies) chew with similar mandibles. So the insect with piercing, sucking mouthparts is the aphid.

Insects show different mouthpart types that match how they feed. Piercing-sucking mouthparts use slender stylets to puncture plant tissue and suck out fluids, like sap. This adaptation is strong in aphids, which feed by inserting their needle-like mouthparts into plant phloem to siphon sap. The other insects here have chewing mouthparts: grasshoppers use sturdy mandibles to bite and tear leaves, carpet beetles have mouthparts for chewing various materials, and caterpillars (larval moths/butterflies) chew with similar mandibles. So the insect with piercing, sucking mouthparts is the aphid.