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 longest tongue?
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| LordV |
Posted on 06-04-2006 20:59
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Member Location: Posts: 671 Joined: 06.09.05 |
Taking some pics of a bee-fly today when much to my suprise it stuck it's tongue (or whatever it is called) out of it's proboscis- I thought the proboscis was it but these obviously have quite a reach. Brian V  |
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| totipotent |
Posted on 07-04-2006 04:15
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 Member Location: Texas A&M University, USA Posts: 21 Joined: 10.02.06 |
Excellent photos, Brian! The fly's proboscis is made of a dorsal labrum covering, internal stylettes (epipharynx, mandibles), {reduced maxillae?}, and a ventral labial sheath. The stylettes form the food and salvia canals. I have no idea what mechanism allows the extension to occur... Anyone have an explanation? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Very Educational!!! |
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