Scanning electron micrograph of the head of a female housefly, Musca domestica. The head is dominated by the large compound eyes, which each contain a

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Scanning electron micrograph of the head of a female housefly, Musca domestica. The head is dominated by the large compound eyes, which each contain around 4000 separate image-forming elements known as ommatidia. Each ommatidium is a cone-shaped structure consisting of a cuticular lens, a crystalline cone and an array of light- sensitive cells. The vertical, torpedo-shaped structures lying between the eyes are the fly's antennae. The feathery structure emerging from the centre of each antenna is a sensory organ known as an arista. The mouthparts are situated underneath the head and are not clearly seen in this image. Magnification: x65 at 8x10 inch size.

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Size: 3616px × 2514px
Photo credit: © DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, domestica, housefly, insect, insecta, invertebrate, invertebrates, musca, nature, wildlife, zoology