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.

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