Pulvillus 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

Cluster fly foot, SEM
Cluster fly foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a pulvillus on the foot of a cluster fly (Pollenia vespillo). A pulvillus is a rounded pad used to walk on smooth surfaces

Ventral foot pads and claws of a grey flesh fly
Foot pads of a fly. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the underside of the foot pads and claws of a grey flesh fly, Sarcophaga carnaria

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)

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)

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

Anatomy of a flys foot, artwork
Anatomy of a flys foot, computer artwork. The two claws are used to grip rough surfaces. The hairy adhesive pad, or pulvillus (beneath the claws), allows the fly to cling to smooth surfaces

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The intricate world of insect feet is revealed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showcasing the fascinating structures known as pulvilli. These tiny appendages, found on various fly species such as houseflies, vine weevils, fruit flies, cluster flies, grey flesh flies, yellow dung flies, gnats and more, play a crucial role in their daily lives. Examining the foot of a housefly under SEM reveals the delicate pulvillus that aids in its ability to cling onto surfaces effortlessly. Similarly, the SEM image of a vine weevil's foot showcases its unique pulvillus structure designed for gripping leaves and stems with precision. Moving on to fruit flies and cluster flies; their feet exhibit remarkable patterns when magnified by SEM. The ventral foot pads and claws of a grey flesh fly are particularly intriguing - these specialized structures allow them to walk upside down or even on smooth surfaces without slipping. Yellow dung flies also possess impressive pulvilli that assist them in navigating challenging terrains while searching for food sources. The detailed SEM images highlight how these insects adapt to their environments with astonishing precision. Further exploration into different fly species reveals repeated instances of pulvilli being captured under SEM - an indication of just how vital this feature is across various types of insects. Whether it be the minute details seen on gnat feet or the distinctive patterns observed within each specimen's pulvillus structure; every image provides valuable insights into nature's incredible adaptations. Studying these captivating images obtained through scanning electron microscopy allows us to appreciate the complexity and diversity present within insect feet. Pulvilli serve as essential tools enabling insects to thrive in their respective habitats – an extraordinary testament to evolution's ingenuity at work.