Texas FFA Entomology CDE Practice Exam 2026 - Free Entomology Career Development Practice Questions and Study Guide

Crane flies possess cutting sponging mouthparts, which are adapted for lapping up liquids. Their mouthparts are designed to cut into organic material and then sponge up the liquid that is produced. This adaptation is particularly effective for feeding on nectar from flowers or other liquid substances. Although they do have elongated mouthparts, these are not structured for piercing and sucking in the way that some other insects, such as mosquitoes, have. Instead, crane flies use their mouthparts to absorb nutrients from their environment through a sponging action, making this type of mouthpart the most accurate for their feeding behavior.