Head of a Bluebottle C016 / 9189
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Head of a Bluebottle C016 / 9189
Bluebottle. Macrophotograph of the head of a bluebottle (family Calliphoridae) fly, showing its large compound eyes. Female bluebottles lay their eggs on meat to ensure a plentiful supply of food for their larvae once hatched. Blue bottle fly adults feed on nectar, while the larvae feed on carcasses of dead animals. It is 10" 14 millimetres (0.4" 0.6 in) long, slightly larger than a housefly. The head and thorax are dull gray and the abdomen is bright metallic blue with black markings. Its body and legs are covered with black bristle-like hair. It has short, clubbed antennae and 4 tarsi per leg. The chest is bright purple and has spikes to protect themselves against other flies. These insects like to fly in packs in order to detect possible prey more efficiently. If one fly detects food, it will disperse a pheromone which will alert the others to the meal
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9244475
© DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Abdomen Blowfly Blue Bluebottle Carcass Carrion Closeup Compound Eggs Entomological Eyes Insects Larvae Macro Macrophoto Meat Nectar Calliphoridae
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "Head of a Bluebottle C016/9189" offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the intricate world of the bluebottle fly. The macrophotograph showcases the head of this fascinating insect from the Calliphoridae family, highlighting its striking compound eyes. These large eyes play a crucial role in helping the female bluebottles locate suitable sites to lay their eggs. Known for their unique reproductive strategy, female bluebottles choose to deposit their eggs on meat, ensuring an abundant food source for their larvae once they hatch. While adult blue bottle flies feed on nectar, these voracious larvae thrive by consuming carcasses of deceased animals. Measuring at around 10-14 millimeters in length, slightly larger than a common housefly, this particular species boasts a dull gray head and thorax while displaying an eye-catching metallic blue abdomen adorned with black markings. Its body and legs are covered in bristle-like hair that adds to its distinctive appearance. The image also reveals short clubbed antennae and four tarsi per leg along with bright purple spikes on its chest that serve as protection against other flies. Notably social creatures, these insects prefer flying together in packs as it enhances their ability to detect potential prey more efficiently. When one fly detects food, it releases pheromones that alert others nearby about the meal's location. Captured by David Parker for Science Photo Library, this extraordinary photograph transports viewers into the enthralling realm of entomology where beauty meets functionality within nature's smallest creations.
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