Proboscis

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This article is about the mouth part. For the butterfly genus, see Proboscis (genus)

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Image:Cairns birdwing closeup - melbourne zoo.jpg

Closeup image of the Cairns Birdwing, showing its large proboscis

Image:Eristalinus October 2007-6.jpg

A syrphid fly using its proboscis to reach the nectar of a flower

In general, a proboscis (from Greek pro "before" and boskein "to feed") is an elongated appendage from the head of an animal. 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.