proboscis
Sign in to savethumb|A Hoverfly|syrphid fly using its proboscis to reach the nectar of a flower
Article
9 sectionsContents
- Etymology
- Invertebrates
- Mosquitoes
- Acanthocephala
- Lepidoptera mouth parts
- Gastropods
- Vertebrates
- See also
- References
thumb|A Hoverfly|syrphid fly using its proboscis to reach the nectar of a flower
A proboscis () is an elongated appendage from the head of an animal, either a vertebrate or an invertebrate. In invertebrates, the term usually refers to tubular mouthparts used for feeding and sucking. In vertebrates, a proboscis is an elongated nose or snout.