Fly mouthparts, light micrograph

Science Photo Library Photo Prints and Wall Art

Fly mouthparts, light micrograph

Fly mouthparts. Light micrograph of the mouthparts of a hover fly (Eristalis tenax). Extending to left is the proboscis. The structures above the proboscis are palps. The proboscis is adapted to sucking up fluids and is tubular at the base (made up of the labrum in the centre and outer prementum), conveying saliva to the tip with its two lobed labella. The labella have branched pseudotracheae, which pass saliva to dissolve solid food and break it down using enzymes, after which the fluid is sucked back to the mouth by the pharyngeal pumps. Magnification: x36 when printed at 10 centimetres across. Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations. © DR KEITH WHEELER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Media ID 6289427

Feeding Insecta Labella Labellum Mouth Part Palp Palps Proboscis Saliva Salivary Eristalis Tenax Labrum Light Micrograph Light Microscope