Which insect is a Lepidopteran with complete metamorphosis and sucking mouthparts?

Which insect is a Lepidopteran with complete metamorphosis and sucking mouthparts?

• A. European Hornet
• B. Dragonfly
• C. Earwig
• D. Corn Earworm

Answer: (D)

Lepidopterans undergo complete metamorphosis and adults have a siphoning mouthpart, the proboscis, used to drink nectar. The corn earworm is a moth, so it is a Lepidopteran and experiences all four life stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa, and adult. The adult moth’s long coiled proboscis provides the sucking mouthparts described in the question, matching both the order and the feeding adaptation. European hornet is a wasp, which has chewing mouthparts and belongs to a different order that also undergoes complete metamorphosis but not the Lepidoptera. Dragonflies are in a different order (Odonata) with incomplete metamorphosis and different mouthpart function. Earwigs are in Dermaptera, with incomplete metamorphosis and chewing mouthparts.

Lepidopterans undergo complete metamorphosis and adults have a siphoning mouthpart, the proboscis, used to drink nectar. The corn earworm is a moth, so it is a Lepidopteran and experiences all four life stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa, and adult. The adult moth’s long coiled proboscis provides the sucking mouthparts described in the question, matching both the order and the feeding adaptation.

European hornet is a wasp, which has chewing mouthparts and belongs to a different order that also undergoes complete metamorphosis but not the Lepidoptera. Dragonflies are in a different order (Odonata) with incomplete metamorphosis and different mouthpart function. Earwigs are in Dermaptera, with incomplete metamorphosis and chewing mouthparts.