What is a proboscis?

A proboscis is a long, tubular, flexible nose of an animal that is used for smelling, sucking, or grasping.

The proboscis of an elephant is its trunk.

Butterfly’s proboscis

The proboscis of an insect, such as a butterfly or moth, is a mouthpart used for sucking up nectar from flowers and plants.

Elephant’s Trunk

Brazilian Tapir

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM