Which Animal Has the Longest Tongue?

The animal with the longest tongue in proportion to its body is thought to be a rare type of orchid bee, called an euglossa natesi. The bee itself is less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) long, but its tongue extends as far as 1.32 inches (about 3.4 cm) — about twice the length of the bee's body. The mammal with the proportionally longest tongue is the South American tube lipped nectar bat. Although this bat is only about the size of a mouse, its tongue is about 150 percent of its body length, which would be like a person who is 6 feet (1.8 m) tall having a tongue that is 9 feet (2.7 m) long.

More facts about long tongues:

• In terms of sheer length of tongue, the blue whale is thought to have the longest tongue. Its tongue is about the size of a Volkswagen Beetle automobile and can weigh about 3 tons (about 2,700 kg).


• As of 2011, the human with the longest recorded tongue was Stephen Taylor of the United Kingdom. His tongue was measured at 3.86 inches (9.8 cm) long.


• The tube lipped nectar bat's tongue is so long that it has to be stored in its ribcage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which animal has the longest tongue relative to body size?

The tube-lipped nectar bat (Anoura fistulata) boasts the longest tongue relative to its body size among mammals. Its tongue can extend to a remarkable length of over 3.3 inches, which is about one and a half times its body length, specifically adapted for reaching deep into flowers for nectar.

What is the absolute longest tongue in the animal kingdom?

The blue whale, the largest animal on the planet, has the absolute longest tongue. Weighing in at around 2.7 metric tons and measuring up to 16 feet in length, the blue whale's tongue is not only long but also incredibly massive, allowing it to swallow large volumes of water and prey.

How does the giraffe's tongue measure up in length?

Giraffes are known for their impressively long tongues, which can reach lengths of about 18 to 20 inches. This adaptation is perfect for grasping and stripping leaves from branches, as well as for grooming and cleaning their own faces and ears.

Are there any insects with notably long tongues?

Indeed, the Morgan's Sphinx Moth, or Darwin's Moth (Xanthopan morganii praedicta), has a proboscis (tongue) that can reach up to 12 to 14 inches in length. This extraordinary feature is an evolutionary response to the deep corolla of the orchid Angraecum sesquipedale, which Charles Darwin famously predicted would be pollinated by a moth with a long proboscis.

Do any reptiles have long tongues?

Chameleons are the reptiles celebrated for their long, sticky tongues, which can be twice the length of their bodies. This remarkable adaptation allows them to capture prey from a distance, shooting their tongue out at incredible speeds to snatch insects almost instantaneously.

What purpose does a long tongue serve in animals?

A long tongue serves various purposes depending on the species. For instance, in nectar-feeding animals like the tube-lipped nectar bat, it's essential for reaching deep into flowers. In predators like chameleons, it's a hunting tool to catch prey. For giraffes, it's used for feeding on foliage and personal grooming. The length and adaptability of the tongue are often closely tied to the animal's diet and habitat.