Many moths have a single, tongue-like projection, known as a proboscis, located at the front of their faces. They use these to feed. Some species, such as the hummingbird hawk moth, have an elongated tongue which it projects deep into flowers to sip nectar.

When not feeding, the proboscis is retracted either into the mouth or curled up like a spring. However, many moth species do not feed as adults and therefore do not have a proboscis.