Thread subject: Diptera.info :: oil glands and walking on water

Posted by Louis Boumans on 05-10-2006 17:03
#1

Thinking about a Dolichopodid that walks on the water surface

(see http://www.dipter...ad_id=3585 - would it be offensive to talk of 'Jesus flies'?)

another general question came to my mind:

Are any specific adaptatios known that enable Diptera to walk on the water?
I know some insects have oil glands; is hydrophobic oil used to prevent the tarsi from sticking onto the water?

Thanks in advance, Louis

Edited by Louis Boumans on 05-10-2006 22:52