Which of the following has rasping-sucking mouthparts?

Study for the Alabama Household Pest Control Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

Thrips are known for their unique rasping-sucking mouthparts, which are adapted for feeding on plant tissues. This feeding mechanism allows them to pierce the cell walls of plants and suck out the cell contents, making them significant pests in agriculture and horticulture. Their feeding habits can cause notable damage to crops, leading to discoloration, wilting, and stunted growth.

In contrast, earwigs have chewing mouthparts that are more suited for feeding on decaying organic matter and small insects. Termites also possess chewing mouthparts because they mainly feed on wood and cellulose materials, breaking down these substances with the aid of symbiotic microorganisms in their guts. Silverfish are another group with chewing mouthparts that feed on starchy materials, such as glue and paper. Thus, the distinctive rasping-sucking mouthparts of thrips set them apart from these other insects, which utilize different types of mouthparts for their feeding needs.

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