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:
