Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Cruel beauty

Posted by Cor Zonneveld on 09-06-2008 21:40
#1

I think this is a female Glaucops hirsutus. My question concerns mouth part anatomy.In the hockey stick like part just below the antennae used to slice through human flesh? It looks rather terrifying!

Edited by Cor Zonneveld on 09-06-2008 21:41

Posted by phil withers on 09-06-2008 22:31
#2

The hockey stick is a palp.

Posted by Cor Zonneveld on 10-06-2008 08:49
#3

OK, but what is the function of the palps? Are they used to bite?

Posted by Kahis on 10-06-2008 10:52
#4

The palps are primarily sensory organs for detecting chemicals (smell and taste). They are soft and covered with fine hairs.