Why Do Insects Have Different Types Of Mouthparts? As insects evolved to feed on a wider variety of food resources, their mouthparts adapted accordingly through natural selection. In some cases, an individual component of the mouthparts became specialized for a new function. In weevils, for example, the front of the head is elongated into a
What Are The Mouthparts Of A Grasshopper Adapted To Do? The grasshopper has mandibulate mouthparts that are directed downward for biting and chewing the leaves of a host plant. Its labrum is a broad flap that serves as a front lip. Mandibles operate from side to side. They have overlapping edges that cut like scissors
What Is Special About Locust Mandibles? Rather than being tooth-like, the mandibles of such insects are lengthened into stylets, which form the outer two parts of the feeding tube, or beak. The mandibles are therefore instrumental in piercing the plant or animal tissues upon which these insects feed, and in helping draw up fluids to