Which type of mouthparts does the hellgrammite possess?

The hellgrammite possesses chewing mouthparts, which is characteristic of its feeding habits. Chewing mouthparts are adapted for biting and grinding food, which is essential for the hellgrammite as it is a predatory aquatic larva of the dobsonfly. These mouthparts allow it to effectively capture and consume various prey, such as small aquatic organisms.

Chewing mouthparts consist of mandibles that move sideways to help in the process of tearing apart food. This adaptation is crucial for the hellgrammite’s role in its ecosystem as a predator, as it relies on being able to actively hunt and consume other animals.

In contrast, the other types of mouthparts listed are specialized for different feeding strategies: siphoning mouthparts are commonly found in butterflies for feeding on nectar, sponging mouthparts are associated with flies that feed on liquids, and piercing-sucking mouthparts are seen in insects like mosquitoes and aphids that extract fluids from plants or animals. These adaptations highlight the diversity of mouthparts tailored to specific dietary needs, but the hellgrammite's chewing mouthparts are specifically suited for its predatory lifestyle.