Title:
By magnifying a dragonfly's exterior 1366x, this 2005 scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicted the forest of sensorial hairs, or 'setae',
Description:
By magnifying a dragonfly's exterior 1366x, this 2005 scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicted the forest of sensorial hairs, or 'setae', covering the surface of its chitinous exoskeleton. Amongst the setae were unidentified particulates that had been picked up from the insect's habitat. These hairs are sensitive to changes in the organism's environment including changes in temperature, wind speed and direction, and act as mechanoreceptors, picking up on changes to the physical make-up of its surroundings, i.e., tactile interaction. These setae, along with the insect's antennae, eyes, and wings offer the organism a detailed comprehensive depiction of its immediate environment by providing the insect with measurable changes in temperature, chemistry, and touch.
Creator:
CDC/ Janice Carr; Connie Flowers
Source:
Views:
500
Downloads:
1
Date Added:
October 30, 2012