Introduction: Ecological Importance of Insect Feeding

Insects are extremely diverse arthropods with highly diverse lifestyles. All kinds of organic material may be used by insects as food. Their feeding activities have an enormous ecological impact on all terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Insect feeding contributes to pollination, nutrient recycling, pest control and water purification, whereas it can be destructive to wild and cultivated plants and stored products and may transmit pathogens to plants and animals including humans. In this context, form and function of mouthparts are crucial to understand the feeding behaviour as well as the ecological and economic importance of insects.