The Inside Out of Flies

By: Erica McAlister

Get 'under the bonnet' and discover the engineering miracles embodied in flies.

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 each species of fly and some of the fascinating implications they hold for human technology. + Full description

Discover the physics of the mysterious ‘scuba diving fly’, marvel at the venomous horsefly 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.

- Short description

News

Sales in Australia and New Zealand only. Elsewhere, this title is available through The Natural History Museum (external link).

Reviews

"This brilliant book is jam-packed with fascinating facts from the dipteran world. McAlister is a master of entomological storytelling and uses humour and wit to great effect. "
Mike Bowie, The Wētā 56, June 2022

"The words and ideas in The Inside Out of Flies flow smoothly. I found it easy to put-down and pick-up again later, and overall, an enjoyable read. I recommend The Inside Out of Flies to anyone interested in nature – this book promises a very different learning experience!"
Chris Lambkin, Metamorphosis Australia, Issue 99, December 2020

"You can just dip into the book and guarantee satisfaction, or better still you can read it right through and come out the other end a more informed person. Author and book are both scientific gems."
Ian Fraser's Natural History Review #29, February 2021

Details

Hardback | September 2020 | $ 34.99
ISBN: 9781486313808 | 288 pages | 195 x 130 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Colour photographs, Photographs

Features

An engaging exploration of the anatomy of flies and the science behind their unique adaptations
Illustrated throughout with colour photographs and high resolution microscope images
Written by Erica McAlister, the author of The Secret Life of Flies, which was named one of the 50 greatest biology books of all time by Book Authority

Introduction
Chapter 1: Pre-adulthood
Chapter 2: Heads up
Chapter 3: The antennae
Chapter 4: Mouthparts
Chapter 5: The thorax
Chapter 6: The wings
Chapter 7: Legs
Chapter 8: The abdomen
Chapter 9: The terminalia
The end
Further reading
Index
Picture credits
Acknowledgements

Authors

Entomologist Erica McAlister is a senior curator of diptera at the Natural History Museum, London. Not just fascinated by studying and naming the little things, Erica has long been intrigued by how they do things, often inspired by the antics that she has observed in the field, both on far flung tropical islands and in her own ‘island’ garden in urban London.

Erica has studied in Dominica, Australia and Costa Rica and her work with diptera has taken her all around the world. She is the author of the award-winning book The Secret Life of Flies.