• This is a “Word of the Day" thread, to reply to this thread please come up with a sentence with the given word. More details.

Word of the Day - Proboscis

I am familiar with the word, probiscus, (oops....probosis :rolleyes: 🤭)

from the fascinating hummingbird hawk moth;

which has a long narrow beak-like (and even extendable!) part,
in order to reach and feed on the nectar of desired flowers,
all while hovering in the air!

At quick glance, people often think it's a hummingbird they see, when it's actually a moth....a moth imitating a wild bird? 😁
 
Last edited:
Kaila said:
I am familiar with the word, probiscus, (oops....probosis :rolleyes: 🤭)

from the fascinating hummingbird hawk moth;

which has a long narrow beak-like (and even extendable!) part,
in order to reach and feed on the nectar of desired flowers,
all while hovering in the air!

At quick glance, people often think it's a hummingbird they see, when it's actually a moth....a moth imitating a wild bird? 😁
Click to expand...

I have seen those in my lilac bush. I thought they were hummingbirds until I looked closer.
 

Dustbunny said:
I have seen those in my lilac bush. I thought they were hummingbirds until I looked closer.
Click to expand...
They sure do look like them!
And both of those, move so fast, and are so small, it's doubly difficult to examine them!

It's actually a long coiled tongue, those moths have, which unrolls itself, to go the extra distance.
Amazing creatures!
 
Thank you for that! @horseless carriage
:)
I'm glad to know that.

I do love word derivations; they're frequently fascinating.

And in addition, your info provides a plausible explanation for why I'd thought there was a K- sound, in that word! :rolleyes:;):giggle::LOL:
 
Bees also have a probosis of a sort, that amazing tiny tube by which they extract the nectar. 🐝🐝🐝


:geek:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top