proboscis

Classification · Pronunciation · Explanation of Names · Identification · See Also · Print References · Internet References · Works Cited

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

No Taxon (Glossary --use Taxonomy, then Info tabs to view entries)

No Taxon (P)

No Taxon proboscis

Pronunciation

pro-BOSS-iss

Explanation of Names

From Greek proboskis, trunk (as of an elephant) (1). That word from roots pro, before and boskein to feed (Wikipedia).

Identification

proboscis noun, plural proboscises or proboscides - a modified mouthpart used for siphoning liquids. When present in flies (diptera), it is a modified labium. In butterflies and moths (lepidoptera), and some other groups, it is a modification of the maxillae.

Photos showing insects with a prominent proboscis:

See Also

mouthparts

maxilla

labium

Print References

Gordh, A Dictionary of Entomology, p. 734 (1)

Internet References

Mouthparts and Moving--Gary Brewer, North Dakota State University (excellent illustrations and descriptions)

Wikipedia

Wiktionary

Works Cited

1.	A Dictionary of Entomology By George Gordh, David H. Headrick

Contributed by Cotinis on 19 May, 2007 - 3:31am
Last updated 19 May, 2007 - 6:21am

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