Long-Tongue Fly in Action (VIDEO)

Stellenbosch University

Caption

With a tongue up to 7 cm in length, the long-tongue fly Moegistorhynchus longirostris often battle to fly, especially in the wind. The fly must fully insert its proboscis into the flower to obtain a tiny droplet of nectar at the bottom of the tube, and in the process pollen is placed on or removed from its head by the long-tubed iris, Lapeirousia anceps.

Credit

Bruce Anderson & Corneile Minnaar

Usage Restrictions

Credit: Bruce Anderson & Corneile Minnaar, Stellenbosch University

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.