RM
SEM of foot of a housefly
Scanning electron micrograph of a foot of a housefly, Musca domestica. The foot of the fly consists of two claws (partially seen either side) & two pads or cushions called pulvilli. 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 800 (at 10x8 size).
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