Types of mouthparts
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Insect mouthparts are modified appendages located on their head, similar in structure and composition to other limbs, as legs and antennae (Kellog, 1902; Snodgrass, 1935). The main function of mouthparts is involved in feeding and therefore it varies in form and structure according to the taxonomic group and feeding habit of the taxa. Hence, even though the majority of the insect orders has a standard plan of construction of the mouthparts, there is a broad range of mouthpart types that are adapted to better suit the type of the food that the species feed on.
The mouthparts jointly are called the gnathal segments, and are located on the three most posterior segments of the head. If the cephalic segments are concealed in the head, the animal is classified as Entognathous. There are 3 living groups of Entognathous (Protura, Collembola and Diplura) and they are not considered “true insects” but sister taxa to them. If the gnathal segments are exposed, they are called Ectognathous, and they are considered the true insects. Ectognathous can be divided into three major groups, according to the position of the cephalic
limbs:
http://kids.britannica.com/comptons/art-167744/The-butterfly-and-the-cicada-suck-liquids-through-spe
cially-modified Figure 1. Mouthpart types of insects
Opisthognathous: mouthparts pointing posteriorly
Hypognathous: mouthparts pointing ventrally
Prognathous: mouthparts pointing anteriorly
http://www.bio.georgiasouthern.edu/biohome/harvey/lect/lectures.html?ccode=en&mda=scrn&flnm=en_morph&ttl=Arthropod%20morphology
Figure 2. Position of cephalic limbs
The four most general and basic types of mouthparts are:
• Piercing and sucking mouthparts e.g. mosquitoes
• Non-piercing and sucking mouthparts e.g. moths
•Chewing mouthparts e.g. grasshopper
•Chewing-sucking or chewing-lapping mouthparts e.g.honeybee
Figure 2. Position of cephalic limbs
The four most general and basic types of mouthparts are:
• Piercing and sucking mouthparts e.g. mosquitoes
• Non-piercing and sucking mouthparts e.g. moths
•Chewing mouthparts e.g. grasshopper
•Chewing-sucking or chewing-lapping mouthparts e.g.honeybee