INSIDE OUT OF FLIES

Discover the physics of the mysterious 'scuba diving fly', marvel at the venomous horse fly larvae which prey on frogs and glimpse the golden ratio in these creatures' spiral flight patterns. McAlister touches on the emerging field of biomimetics, the study of evolutionary adaptations to devise new technology, and anticipates everything from medical needles based on the mosquito's proboscis to hearing aids inspired by Ormia ochracea, a tiny fly with ears on its thorax. At every stage she uncovers unique and surprising science lessons encapsulated in the form and function of the humble fly. The book introduces the reader to the shape, structure and design of flies from their eyes and the complexity of their vision, through the body including the mechanisms of their flight and of course their fantastic genitalia, a subject worthy of much discussion as we will soon learn! Heavyweight softback packed with quality colour photographs, many in colour amazing close up detail showing fantastic patterns on wings and bodies and detailed diagrams and artworks such as the mouth parts or the ten sections of the leg of a fly. 288 page paperback.