Proboscis

The proboscis is a tubular outgrowth of one kind or another on the head or in the mouth area of ​​​​an animal. Usually the proboscis is related to nutrition.

In elephants, the proboscis is an elongated upper lip and nose. With its help, elephants can grab food and bring it to their mouth. The elephant's proboscis is very flexible and mobile, has more than 100,000 muscles.

In insects such as butterflies, the proboscis functions as a sucking mouthpart. It allows them to suck nectar from flowers. The proboscis of butterflies is coiled and unfolds when they need to feed.

Flies, mosquitoes and other dipterans have a piercing-sucking proboscis. It consists of several thin needles with which the insect pierces the skin of the victim and then sucks out blood or other fluids.

Thus, the proboscis is an important organ for many animals, helping them obtain and swallow food. The shape and structure of the proboscis depend on the lifestyle and eating habits of the animal.