What characteristic distinguishes chewing mouthparts from other types?

The characteristic that distinguishes chewing mouthparts from other types is their ability to grind food. Chewing mouthparts are specifically adapted for breaking down solid food into smaller, more digestible pieces. This grinding action is made possible through the structure of the mouthparts, which typically includes robust mandibles that can mechanically process food by chewing.

In contrast, other types of mouthparts, such as those that pierce skin or suck liquids, are specialized for different feeding strategies. For example, mouthparts designed for piercing do not grind food; instead, they function to puncture and extract fluids from hosts or plants. Similarly, mouthparts that are adapted to suck liquids are designed to draw in fluids and are not equipped for grinding solid materials. Thus, the grinding capability of chewing mouthparts is a defining feature that sets them apart from other mouthpart types used by various arthropods.