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Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster, male)

Sex comb shows it's a male
Doesn't the dark tipped abdomen also show that? But then, if you can see the darn comb, if your macro is THAT good, why not use the comb?
wonderful detail!
Fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster, male) by Max xx.
A serious macro challenge (or rather about 50 very micro challenges) arrived in our kitchen with a bag of very ripe New Zealand Kiwi fruit ... That miniscule genetic research model organism Drosophila melanogaster, the lover of dew, is only 2,5mm long! Luckily he stayed still on the roll of kitchen paper while I set up the tripod and close up rings to give my maximum extension of 65mm - impressive eh? - even that didn't frighten him ;-) With a subject this size, even at f/22, there's not enough depth of field to get him all in focus. No red-eye correction needed either ! The sex-comb of black bristles on his front leg shows he's a male ... 
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mimbrava  Pro User  says:

OMG, this is a wonderful shot. Congratulations.
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

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mimbrava  Pro User  says:

OMG, this is a wonderful shot and informative caption. Congratulations.
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

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Anieteke  Pro User  says:

The ultimate macro (or micro) challenge!

Very very very good!
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

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Rafael Peñaloza says:

Completely amazing. And thank you for the information.
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

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sandrino  Pro User  says:

Wicked cool!
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

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dogfaceboy  Pro User  says:

HOLY SHIT! You are the Macro Man! (Let's all sing it, to the tune of "Macho Man," by the Village People.) Honestly stunning. The paper towel looks plastic.
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

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Max xx  Pro User  says:

Thanks people - I didn't realise it was a male till I looked at the photo and yes the dark tip shows it's a male - I couldn't believe my luck when I could see sex comb. I haven't deiscovered what they use it for (maybe for VillagePeople-like Drosophila hairstyles). I was watching them again later today as the sun warmed them up and the males were doing their amazing wing vibrating courtship display. They've now decided to invade the grapes on the vine outside ...
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

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sheyne  Pro User  says:

You Da Man Max! What a shot and what a cheeky fly!
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

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Jeff Clow  Pro User  says:

My compliments...this is a terrific photo image...!
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

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By me... says:

what a beautiful picture...and you know, as a biologist i couldn't help feeling "identified" LOL!beautiful pictures...amazing Macro!!
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

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Max xx  Pro User  says:

Well I didn't know you were a biologist - but maybe I was subconsciously thinking of you - I dedicate this photo to you ;-)
Posted 49 months ago. ( permalink )

John Padmarajan [deleted] says:

excellent capture... I like it....
Posted 42 months ago. ( permalink )

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hhsc/Greg  Pro User  says:

Wow!! Amazing macro! Love the detail!!

(from Scientist Photographers group)
Posted 42 months ago. ( permalink )

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Trazy  Pro User  says:

Fantastic shot!!

(from Scientist Photographers group)
Posted 42 months ago. ( permalink )

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Max xx  Pro User  says:

wonderful little things aren't they Antonia?
Posted 37 months ago. ( permalink )

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CatDancing  Pro User  says:

Amazing shot! I'm impressed.
Posted 37 months ago. ( permalink )

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Colin Purrington  Pro User  says:

I think the sex combs are important in sexual selection.
Charles Darwin Has A Posse
Posted 36 months ago. ( permalink )

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PeterEdin (Tag Man)  Pro User  says:

Call me weird if you want, but I love these little flies :-)
Posted 32 months ago. ( permalink )

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andreaskeller1972 says:

Males use the sex combs to hold on to the female's wings during copulation. Great shot!!
Posted 28 months ago. ( permalink )

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davidlaing says:

Thank you for the candor, that is a friendly way. I wondered if anyone knew about decussating optic nerves leading to the thorax of Drosophila melanogaster, these only develop for late developing ommatidia. Volunteer anybody? davidlaing@yahoo.com
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

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Max xx  Pro User  says:

this is way beyond my Dros knowledge!
Posted 22 months ago. ( permalink )

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Carine06  Pro User  says:

What big eyes you have! Great close-up.
Posted 17 months ago. ( permalink )

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paulojdferreira says:

Hello, my name's Paulo Ferreira and I'm an image editor/documentalist in a (Portuguese) school books publishing house.

I'd like to use this photo in a biology manual. If you agree with my request, would you be so kind to send me by e-mail (to pferreira@santillana.pt) one hi-res version of this photo.

I am also looking for a drosophila female shot..

All the photos will be credited and appreciated.

Kind regards,
Paulo Ferreira
pferreira@santillana.pt
www.santillana.pt
Posted 12 months ago. ( permalink )

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operian says:

I have liked this tiny creature all along! Now even more :)
Posted 9 days ago. ( permalink )

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view photos Uploaded on October 20, 2005
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