Which statement is true about Thysanoptera (thrips) mouthparts?

Prepare for the Science Olympiad Entomology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and ace your test!

Multiple Choice

Which statement is true about Thysanoptera (thrips) mouthparts?

Explanation:
Thrips have mouthparts that are specialized for rasping-sucking, and a distinctive asymmetry. The right mandible is absent or greatly reduced, while the left mandible is used to rasp plant tissue, with the maxillary stylets forming a narrow canal to suck up the dissolved fluids. This arrangement explains why they are not chewing mouthparts, nor siphoning nectar, nor sponging liquids. So the true statement is that mouthparts are asymmetrical with no right mandible.

Thrips have mouthparts that are specialized for rasping-sucking, and a distinctive asymmetry. The right mandible is absent or greatly reduced, while the left mandible is used to rasp plant tissue, with the maxillary stylets forming a narrow canal to suck up the dissolved fluids. This arrangement explains why they are not chewing mouthparts, nor siphoning nectar, nor sponging liquids. So the true statement is that mouthparts are asymmetrical with no right mandible.

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