Did you know that the hose-nosed cycad weevil’s snout is around twice the length of its body? You wouldn't be a fool for thinking this surely makes it the animal with the biggest nose. However, the hose-nosed cycad weevil is disqualified because it has a mouth on the tip of its snout (used to drill holes in plants) – by definition, this isn't a nose.
Zoologically, a nose is a structure bearing nostrils, through which air enters and exits the lungs. That’s something found only in vertebrates.
So, with the hose-nosed cycad weevil out of the running, which other creatures can compete for the accolade of biggest nose?
Well, it's probably no surprise to learn that no vertebrate is more generously endowed in the nasal department than an elephant. Indeed, an elephant's trunk is the nose to which others aspire: elephant seals, elephant fish and elephant shrews are all named for their impressive schnozzes – none of which are to be sniffed at.
Other animals with famous big noses include tapir, aardvark and of course the proboscis monkey, which probably has the biggest nose of any primate.
The title for weirdest nose has to go to the star-nosed mole.