Proboscis of blowfly. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the proboscis of a blowfly, ^ICalliphora vomitoria,^i also known as the blue- bottle. The labella (two lobes, coloured grey) are seen, with parallel grooves (^Ipseudotracheae)^i channelling into a central hollow tube. The proboscis is used for the ingestion of food, and acts like a sponge. Enzymes are exuded from the proboscis onto the food substrate (rotting animal or vegetable matter). These enzymes digest the food, turning it into a pulpy liquid, which is then sucked up by the proboscis. Further digestion takes place within the fly's gut. Magnification: x55 at 5x7cm size. x185 at 10x8"