What type of mouthparts do adult horse, blow, and flesh flies have?

Adult horse, blow, and flesh flies possess piercing and sucking mouthparts that allow them to feed on liquids. These flies are known for their behavior of feeding on the bodily fluids of animals, including blood, which is characteristic of their feeding habits. The structure of their mouthparts is adapted to pierce the skin and access these fluids.

The term "piercing and sucking" specifically refers to their ability to penetrate tissues to reach blood or other fluids, which distinguishes them from flies with chewing or lapping mouthparts. Chewing mouthparts are typically found in insects that consume solid food, while lapping mouthparts are seen in some other flies that feed on nectar. Therefore, describing the mouthparts as piercing and sucking accurately reflects the biological adaptation of these fly species for their nutritional needs.