FliesPollinators and Flies The Eyes of Flies

Species in the order Diptera, have compound eyes. These large eyes that can be seen on either side of the insect’s head, contain many small lenses (sometimes thousands).

The compound eyes may meet on the top of the head or may be separated. In many male fly species, the eyes are “holoptic”, meaning they meet in the middle (almost touch), whilst in the female they are separated (an obvious space between the eyes). This is one of the feaures that distinguish the sexes of flies in many species.

As well as the compound eyes that are easily visible in the adult insects, they also have three small ocelli, located in a triangular formation on the top of the insect’s head.

The compound eyes can be quite strikingly different between species, varying in colour and patterns.

The Eyes of Flies, SA © Marianne Broug
The Eyes of Flies, SA © Marianne Broug
  1. Soldier Fly, Octarthria sp.
  2. Nose Fly, Stomorhina subapicalis
  3. Stiletto Fly, Agaphophytus queenslandi
  4. Soldier Fly, Acanthasargus stricta
  5. Native Drone Fly, Eristalinus punctulatus
  6. Soldier Fly, Odontomyia decipiens (female)
  7. Stiletto Fly, Agaphophytus queenslandi
  8. Flower-feeding March Fly, Scaptia auriflua
  9. Soldier Fly, Octarthria sp.

Source: mariannebrougphotography.com

Footnote & References

  1. The Eyes of Flies, SA © Marianne Broug / mariannebrougphotography.com
  2. THE EYES OF FLIES!, Blog, author Marianne Broug

FliesPollinators and Flies The Eyes of Flies

DipteraDiptera Index Flies Pollinators and Flies The Eyes of Flies Australian Sheep Blowfly (Lucilia cuprina) Australian Drain Fly Balaana Beefly Bat Flies Bee Flies Bee Fly (Anthrax) Ligyra Australiphthiria Chrysomya saffranea Clogmia (Moth Fly) Eristalinus punctulatus Musca Odontomyia (Soldier Flies) Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly) Robber Flies Sarcophaga aurifrons Soldier Fly Syrphids

InsectsBees Beetles Blattodea Butterflies Coleoptera Cicada Crabronidae Diptera Dragonflies & Damselflies Formicidae Hemiptera Heteroptera (True Bugs) Mango Planthopper Moths Orthoptera Orthopteroid Processionary Caterpillar Stink Bugs, Shield Bugs and Allies Syrphidae Wasps Water Scorpion (Laccotrephes tristis) Witchetty Grub