Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of part of the compound eye of a hoverfly, also called flower fly or syrphid fly (family Syrphidae). Hoverflies are abundant on flowers and common throughout the world. They feed on nectar and pollen and a few grains are visible on the surface of the eye. The compound eye is composed of numerous facets (ommatidia), each of which contains a lens. Each ommatidium visualizes a tiny part of the hoverfly's field of vision, resulting in a detailed mosaic image of the fly's surroundings. The compound eye enables the hoverfly to orientate and detect rapid movement, although it is not capable of forming a clearly focused image. The eye also contains small touch-sensitive hairs between some of the facets. Magnification: x230 when printed at 10cm wide. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Jannicke Wiik-Nielsen |
Bildgröße: | 4069 px × 3051 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |