Mouthpart

/mˈaʊθpɑːt/

/ˈmaʊθˌpɑɹt/

[noun]

Mouthpart

[NOUN]

the specialized structures located around the mouth used for feeding, grooming, and other related functions

What is "mouthpart"?

Mouthpart refers to the structures found in insects and other arthropods that are used for feeding and manipulating food. These structures vary in shape, size, and function depending on the type of insect or arthropod. Common mouthparts include mandibles, maxillae, labium, and hypopharynx, which work together to bite, chew, or suck fluids. In some cases, mouthparts can also be modified for other purposes, such as defense or mating. Overall, the diversity and complexity of mouthparts in arthropods contribute to their ability to adapt to various environments and diets.

Examples

1. The fly sticks out its mouthpart and spits out a tiny drop of sticky liquid.

2. That bulbous head has powerful mouthparts that chew through the tough oak leaves.

3. You can find this mouthpart on ants from the Hymenoptera order, grasshoppers and crickets of the Orthoptera order, dragonflies of the Odonata order, and beetles of the Coleoptera order.

4. For most species, adult females have a tube-like mouthpart, called a proboscis.