Pulvilli Collection

Housefly foot, SEM
Housefly foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the foot of a housefly (Musca domestica). The two claws are used to grip rough surfaces

Vine weevil foot, SEM
Weevil foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the foot of a black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus). The foot comprises a pair of adhesive hairy pads (lower centre)

Fruit fly foot, SEM
Fruit fly foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the foot of a male fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). The two claws are used to grip rough surfaces

Yellow dung flys foot, SEM
Yellow dung fly (Scatophaga stercoraria) foot, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The two claws (pale brown) are used to grip rough surfaces

Pulvilli on a flys foot, SEM
Flys foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of pulvilli (tubular hairs) on the base of the foot of a fly (order Diptera)

Horse fly foot, SEM
Horse fly foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the foot of a horse fly (Tabanus sp.). The fly uses the two claws (brown) on each of its feet to help it grip on rough surfaces

Fly foot, SEM
Fly foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the tip of a leg of a March fly (family Bibionidae). A fly uses claws (one seen here) to help it grip rough surfaces

Gnat foot, SEM
Gnat foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the pads and claws on the tip of a leg of a gnat, a small fly (order Diptera)

Hover fly foot, SEM
Hover fly foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the foot of a hover fly (family Syrphidae). The claws (dark brown) help the hover fly to grip on rough surfaces

Scorpion fly foot, SEM
Scorpion fly (Panorpa communis) foot, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The claws are used to grip rough surfaces

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"Pulvilli: The Secret to a Fly's Sticky Grip Revealed in Stunning SEM Images" Step into the microscopic world of fly feet as we explore the intricate structures known as pulvilli. These tiny appendages, captured under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), are responsible for the remarkable adhesive abilities of various fly species. Starting with the housefly foot, SEM reveals an array that resemble small cushions or pads. These specialized structures allow houseflies to effortlessly cling onto surfaces, even upside down. It's no wonder they can navigate our homes with ease. Moving on to the vine weevil foot, SEM exposes similar pulvilli arrangements but with slight variations. This adaptation enables these pests to firmly grip plant stems and leaves, causing havoc in gardens and nurseries. The fruit fly foot showcases another fascinating design under SEM. Its delicate pulvilli act like miniature suction cups, granting these tiny insects exceptional agility when landing on fruits or other food sources. Cluster flies possess unique pulvilli patterns too; their SEM images reveal densely packed structures that enhance their ability to stick onto walls and ceilings during hibernation periods. Yellow dung flies also boast impressive pulvilli adaptations seen through SEM imagery. These specialized pads aid them in navigating slippery surfaces found near animal waste sites – a vital resource for their survival. Zooming closer into a single fly's foot using powerful SEM technology unveils mesmerizing details of individual pulvillus structure. Each pad consists of numerous hair-like setae that further increase adhesion capabilities across different terrains. Horse flies exhibit robust and sturdy-looking pulvilli under SEM examination. Their strong grip allows them to land swiftly on large mammals such as horses or cattle without losing balance or being swatted away easily. Flies' feet in general present intriguing features when observed through high-resolution SEM imaging techniques. From gnats to common houseflies, each species possesses its own unique arrangement of pulvilli, enabling them to cling onto various surfaces with remarkable efficiency.