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I have just received right now an email from my friend Neal Evenhuis. He told me: "I have studied this when working on the pollination behavior of Bombylius. most bee flies have a hypopharynx that can be extended. The proboscis consists of many parts. the top stiff part is the labrum, the bottom part is the labellum, the "tongue" that can be3 extended in many species is the hypophraynx. There are maxillary palps and maxilla on each side, but the palps are reduced or non-existent in Mythicomyiidae.

Inside the head, the proboscis can be coiled up to allow its extension when needed. You might see a swelling under the head and this is where the hypopharynx coils inside." (Evenhuis)


Isn't it the coolest thing in the Universe? You bet! :D