The insect world is diverse, and that diversity is well represented by the different types of mouthparts insects may have. There are insects that eat leaves, some that chew on wood, others that drink sap or nectar, and even some that prey on other insects.
Many flies feed on sugary foods, and have a sponge-like mouth for collecting sweet fluids. Butterflies drink nectar and have a coiled tube called a proboscis, which uncurls to reach into flowers. Insects that feed on plant matter have chewing mouthparts, designed to break down plant fibers. Predatory insects, such as mantids, also have chewing mouthparts. Some insects, like weevils and aphids, specialize in drinking plant fluids. They have mouthparts that pierce the plant and then suck the fluids from inside.
If you can, use a hand lens to take a closer look at the insect's mouthparts, and try to discover what kind of mouthparts your mystery insect has.
Photo credits: (top left) Flickr user CharlesLam - CC SA; (top right) Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey; (bottom right) Debbie Hadley, WILD Jersey; (bottom left) Flickr user Charles Lam - CC SA
