The Inside Out of Flies

by Erica McAlister

The Inside Out of Flies is a look under the bonnet at the astonishing mechanics of fly anatomy. Erica McAlister reveals the engineering miracles embodied in numerous species of fly and some of the fascinating implications they hold for human technology. Discover the physics of the mysterious ‘scuba diving fly’, marvel at the venomous horse fly larvae which prey on frogs, and glimpse the golden ratio in these creatures’ spiral flight patterns. McAlister touches on the emerging field of biomimetics – the study of evolutionary adaptations to devise new technology – and anticipates everything from medical needles based on the mosquito’s proboscis to hearing aids inspired by Ormia ochracea, a tiny fly with ears on its thorax. At every juncture she uncovers unique and surprising science lessons encapsulated in the form and function of the humble fly.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Science, Biology, Natural History

Paperback

Published September 2, 2021

Reviews

[spen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My hardback first edition contained errors, and this sequel can skew technical, but I struggle to recall a more entertaining read.

[Jeff Coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read. I loved flies before I read this but this further spreads my love for this order.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for this author's the secret life of flies, but the library didn't carry it and so i took a chance on this one. So glad i did. I was afraid it might be more engineering and chemistry as it went through the fly feature by feature and described the incredible diversity that evolution has blessed them with, but there was still plenty of fascinating biology. they are like aliens among us, seeing with different body segments, tasting with their feet, mothers ripping off wings and legs to give birth. I partly wanted to read this book, because, of all God's creatures, I admit the fly was one of the ones I had the hardest time embracing. This book helped replace my fear and ignorance with some awe and understanding. Great read

[The Inquisitive Biologist · Rating 5 out of 5]

A head-to-toe anatomical tour, this enthusiastic pop-science jaunt will make you see flies in a completely new light. See my full review at https://inquisitivebiologist.com/2020...

[Bill Leach · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive overview of the flies (Diptera) going in to much detail of the variation in the family. Almost a textbook in scope, but it is written in an engaging manner. If one is impressed by the diversity on specializations of the animal world, the flies provide a further level of amazing detail. The scanning electron microscope photos in the book provide great close-ups of the variety of structures that the flies possess.

While the compound eyes of flies are familiar, they also have a set of simple eyes called ocelli. The arrangement of these varies by species and is important in identification. The ocelli detect light and assist in stabilization.

Most flies have plumose antennae for sensing chemicals including pheromones. The Johnstons's organs at the base of the antennae are sound sensors. Flies sense suitable mates through both smell and using sound to distinguish them from other fly species.

Halteres are almost unique to the flies. Specialized structures that evolved from wings, they have become sensors that are important to balance and flight.

The process of metamorphosis is interesting in that many of the adult structures, such as legs, halteres, wings and gentilia, are present in the larval stage as cell clusters called imaginal disks. During pupation these cells "divide wildly" forming the new structures, then fusing together to form the adult.

Some flies take on quite improbable forms. The bee lice (Braula sp.) lack wings or halteres and reside on bees in their hive and feed on their secretions. The Australian ant mimic, Badisis Ambulans, spends its larval stage in the Albany pitcher plant (Cephalotus follicularis) feeding on trapped insects. The adult takes the form of an ant, without wings or halteres but with an ant-like constriction between abdominal segments.

[Judyms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not yet finished this book because I tend to have several books on the go at any one time and pickup whichever one suits my mood. This one is a 'meatier' read than most and has been put aside while I struggle with various problems which leave me short of concentration. However, it is an AMAZING book, beautifully and engagingly written, and with such expert information about the structure, nature, and private lives of flies that it will fascinate anyone with a love of our tiny creatures.

[Dave White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up because I was intrigued by the cover. The other reason is that blackflies, deer flies, horse flies and mosquitos torment me.
I was pleasantly surprised.
The author has made these horrid things seem absolutely marvelous.
What more could a reader want?

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly impressive! I loved how approachable the author has made the subject, but she also did not hesitate to dive deeper into the details. I would prefer to have more photographs in the book as I had to constantly search for pictures of insects described, but not pictured in the book.

[Ruth McAvinia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The edition I read had some weird editing errors - phrases and whole paragraphs repeated like something had gone wrong with track changes. Could do with more illustrations (or fewer descriptions of animals not illustrated) but generally very interesting.

[Roddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the first book, “The secret life of flies”, so again one of the best popular science books I’ve ever read. Perfectly pitched for the reasonably well science-educated or science-loving reader. Flies are amazing (so are spiders :-)).

[David Stormblade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I want to go catch flies