Which statement describes the mouthparts mentioned for pests?

Which statement describes the mouthparts mentioned for pests?

• A. Pests have chewing mouthparts
• B. Pests have piercing/sucking mouthparts
• C. Pests have siphoning mouthparts
• D. Pests have lapping mouthparts

Answer: (B)

Pests that feed by puncturing plant tissue and sucking sap use piercing/sucking mouthparts. This specialized form lets them insert a needle-like stylet into cells or vascular tissue and withdraw fluids with minimal surface damage, which is why you might not see obvious chewing on the leaves. Aphids, whiteflies, and scale are classic examples, and their feeding can cause stunting, leaf curl, yellowing, and the production of honeydew that attracts sooty mold and ants. This feeding style is different from chewing mouthparts, which bite and chew leaf tissue (like caterpillars), siphoning mouthparts, which draw nectar from flowers (like butterflies), or lapping mouthparts, which bees use to lick up liquids.

Pests that feed by puncturing plant tissue and sucking sap use piercing/sucking mouthparts. This specialized form lets them insert a needle-like stylet into cells or vascular tissue and withdraw fluids with minimal surface damage, which is why you might not see obvious chewing on the leaves. Aphids, whiteflies, and scale are classic examples, and their feeding can cause stunting, leaf curl, yellowing, and the production of honeydew that attracts sooty mold and ants. This feeding style is different from chewing mouthparts, which bite and chew leaf tissue (like caterpillars), siphoning mouthparts, which draw nectar from flowers (like butterflies), or lapping mouthparts, which bees use to lick up liquids.