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Taken 15-Oct-11
Visitors 19


17 of 42 photos
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Photo Info

Dimensions4288 x 2848
Original file size4.6 MB
Image typeJPEG
Color spacesRGB
Date taken15-Oct-11 09:32
Date modified7-Mar-12 21:23
Shooting Conditions

Camera makeNIKON CORPORATION
Camera modelNIKON D5000
Focal length105 mm
Focal length (35mm)157 mm
Max lens aperturef/4.9
Exposure1/640 at f/16
FlashNot fired
Exposure bias0 EV
Exposure modeAuto
Exposure prog.Normal
ISO speedISO 1250
Metering modePattern
Digital zoom1x
Female Syrphid Fly (Taxomerus marginatus), showing its Halteres

Female Syrphid Fly (Taxomerus marginatus), showing its Halteres

Wings folded. The halteres are the stubs behind the wings. Except for Flies (Diptera), all flying insects have two sets of wings. In flies, the back wings have been reduced to nubs -- the halteres. "Flies are the most accomplished fliers on the planet in terms of aerodynamics... They can do things no other animal can, like land on ceilings or inclined surfaces... And they are especially deft at takeoffs and landings -- their skill far exceeds that of any other insect or bird.'' (Michael Dickinson, UC Berkeley, quoted at <http://www.flypower.com/facts.html>) This is made possible by the halteres. This web site says that the halteres are hard-wired to the fly's eyes, giving rapid feedback in flight.