Housefly foot
Scanning electron micrograph of a foot of a housefly, Musca domestica. The foot of the fly consists of two claws (above, antlerlike) & two pads or cushions called pulvilli (below, white). 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 760 (at 10x8 inch size).
Details
License type
Rights Managed