Functional morphology of the mouthparts in the scorpionfly Sinopanorpa tincta (Mecoptera: Panorpidae)

► The mouthparts in Sinopanorpa tincta were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. ► The pattern of thick basiconic sensilla at the apex of epipharynx was found to exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism. ► Scorpionflies are likely to feed on liquid food of their prey after extra-oral digestion.