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Wasp mimic captive 5

Wasp mimic captive 5

A fearsome looking insect which is in reality a harmless cranefly (Daddy long legs fly). The insects halters are clearly visible in this shot. Halters are used in flight control and are small dense spheres (in this case yellow) that vibrate on a rigid stalk (actually derived evolutionarily from the second pair of wings). They are attached to the body just behind the wings. These organs act like the flight direction gyroscopic sensors found in planes and rockets, and supply the insects biological CPU with the data needed to calculate its orientation in flight (perform a 'halterectomy' and you'll see some truly erratic flights).


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Linda Buckell 31-May-2007 21:42
Fabulous shot Phil - superb colour and you have certainly got those wings looking good :-) Great info too.
Guest 31-May-2007 11:38
Wonderful information to go with a great shot. I'd wondered if those had something to do with their flight, but I've been too lazy to look it up! ;-/
Thanks!
Debbie Blackburn Beierle 31-May-2007 06:08
Excellent shot! Thanks for the detailed info. vote
Joanne Kamo 31-May-2007 00:27
Beautiful detail, it still looks like it'd be painful! V
Robbie D70 30-May-2007 22:20
Im truly amazed, the sharpness , the definition, the colours all first class ,one of the best macros I have seen. GMV.
Eric Carrère 30-May-2007 20:56
Excellent photo work, Vote :o)