What type of pest is characterized by chewing mouthparts?

Caterpillars and beetles are insects that possess chewing mouthparts, which are specifically adapted for biting and grinding plant material. This adaptation allows them to effectively consume a variety of organic materials, including leaves, stems, and fruits, which is essential for their growth and development.

In contrast, aphids have piercing-sucking mouthparts that they use to extract sap from plants, making them unsuitable for this question. Flies, especially in their adult forms, typically have sponging or licking mouthparts, which are adapted for consuming liquids, rather than chewing solid materials. Spider mites, being arachnids rather than insects, have needle-like mouthparts for piercing and sucking plant tissue, which again does not align with the characteristic of chewing mouthparts.

Overall, the chewing mouthparts of caterpillars and beetles make them uniquely equipped to feed on a range of vegetation, distinguishing them from the other pests listed.