False colour scanning electron micrograph of a foot of a housefly,Musca domestica. The foot of the fly consists of two claws,two pads or cushions called pulvilli (washing up pads) & a long bristle between the two. The foot serves a dual purpose; on rough surfaces the claw grips & on smooth surfaces the miniature tubes covering the pads secrete a substance,which enables adhesion. It is uncertain whether the tubes secrete a glue or whether physical effects of surface tension & molecular action account for the adhesion. Many of the hairs,or setae,on the insect serve as tactile sensory organs. Magnification: X 54 at 35mm size. Original is bw print z340/186 | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Burgess, Dr. Jeremy |
Taille de l’image : | 3543 px × 2512 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |