This article is about the mouth part. For the butterfly genus, see Proboscis (genus).
Closeup image of the Cairns Birdwing, showing its large proboscis
A syrphid fly using its proboscis to reach the nectar of a flower
In general, a proboscis (from Greek προ, pro "before" and βοσκειν, boskein "to feed" also known as probiscus) is an elongated appendage from the head of an animal "proboscis". Retrieved on 2008-07-27.. The most common usage is to refer to the tubular feeding and sucking organ of certain invertebrates like insects, worms (including proboscis worms) and molluscs. The elephant's trunk is also called a proboscis. An abnormal facial appendage that sometimes accompanies ocular and nasal abnormalities is also called a proboscis. The term is used for primate organs as well: an elongated human nose is sometimes facetiously called a proboscis and the Proboscis Monkey is named for its enormous nose.
The correct Greek plural is proboscides, but in English it is more common to simply add -es, forming proboscises.
Notable mammals with some form of proboscis are:
See also
|
