What is Mouthparts?
[[File:Evolution insect mouthparts coloured derivate.png|220px|thumb|The primitive chewing mouthparts of a [[grasshopper]] (A) <br/>the lapping type (B) of a [[bee]] <br/>the siphoning type (C) of a [[butterfly]] <br/>the sucking type (D) of a female [[mosquito]]. <br/>Legend: '''a''', antennae; '''c''', compound eye; '''lb''', labium; '''lr''', labrum; '''md''', mandibles; '''mx''', maxillae '''hp''' hypopharynx]] '''Mouthparts''' is a general term used in animal biology ([[zoology]]). It means the various bits and pieces around the opening of the [[alimentary canal]] (mouth). These mouthparts are used by animals to help get their food organised before they swallow it. All animals have mouthparts except those which [[absorption|absorb]] their food through their [[epidermis]]. The main variations are [[wikt:chew|chewing]], [[wikt:suck|sucking]] and [[dissolve|dissolving]]. {{-}} {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Anatomy]] [[Category:Animal anatomy]]