Moth eye and proboscis. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head and mouthparts of a moth. The compound eye (red) is large and the head is covered with scales. The spiral-shaped sucking proboscis (bottom centre) is a distinctive characteristic of butterflies and moths and is used to suck the nectar of flowers and other fluids. At rest it is rolled into a spiral and carried between the two labial palps that point upwards to either side. It is extended to take in food by means of muscular action and increased blood pressure. Magnification: x13 when printed 10 centimetres wide.