Haltere Collection

Coloured SEM of a crane fly (Tipula maxima)
Crane fly. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a female crane fly (Tipula maxima), or daddy long legs. Its head is at centre left

Fruit fly balance organ, SEM
Fruit fly balance organ. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the balance organ (haltere) of a male fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). The haltere is the oval structure at lower left

Hoverfly feeding, SEM
Hoverfly feeding. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a hoverfly (Rhingia campestris) feeding on a bugle flower (Ajuga reptans)

Balance organ of a fly, SEM
Balance organ of a fly. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface of the balance organ (haltere) of an unidentified fly (Order Diptera)

Mosquito balance organ, SEM
Mosquito balance organ. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the balance organ (haltere) of an unidentified mosquito (family Culicidae)

Fly balance organ, SEM
Fly balance organ. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the balance organ (haltere) of a fly (order Diptera). The haltere is the oval structure at centre and lower left

Mosquito haltere, SEM
Mosquito haltere. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a close-up of a mosquitos body showing a haltere (vertical, centre)

Gnat, light micrograph
Gnat (Culex pipiens), light micrograph. The gnats body has three major parts: the abdomen, thorax and head. The abdomen is at upper centre

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"Haltere: Nature's Master Balancers" Discover the fascinating world of halteres, tiny structures found in various insects that serve as their balance organs. In this captivating collection of images, we delve into the intricate details of these remarkable appendages. Starting with a coloured scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of a crane fly, we witness the beauty and complexity of its haltere. These delicate structures are also showcased in SEM images capturing fruit flies, hoverflies, and mosquitoes engaged in their daily activities. The SEM close-ups reveal the astonishing intricacy of each insect's balance organ. From the finely textured surface to the slender shape resembling miniature dumbbells, it becomes evident how crucial they are for maintaining stability during flight. Moving on to light micrographs, we observe an assassin fly and its male counterpart up close. The detailed imagery showcases their unique halteres' structure and highlights how they aid these agile predators in hunting down prey with precision. Additionally, a gnat is captured under a light microscope revealing its minute yet essential balance organ. This image serves as a reminder that even smaller creatures rely on halteres for survival and maneuverability.