Functional Feeding Groups: Piercers

Many terrestrial insects have mouthparts that allow them to pierce plants and suck up liquids. While this is a common strategy for terrestrial insects, it is not as common in aquatic insects.

However, spongillaflies pierce and digest Spongilla species (a freshwater sponge). Other groups with species that feed this way include dobsonflies, caddisflies and true bugs.

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The MSP project is funded by an ESEA, Title II Part B Mathematics and Science Partnership Grant through the Montana Office of Public Instruction. MSP was developed by the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program and faculty from Montana Tech of The University of Montana and Montana State University, with support from other Montana University System Faculty.