Images Dated 8th June 2000

SEM of spider

Head of jumping spider. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a zebra jumping spider, Salticus scenicus. Five of its eight eyes (rounded bumps, upper centre) are seen, one large pair at the front, and smaller eyes on the side. Below the eyes are the two large chelicerae which carry teeth for biting prey. On either side of the chelicerae are long, segmented, leg-like palps, which are transformed into copulatory organs in the adult male. The spider's walking legs are also seen. Jumping spiders have acute vision which assists in their jumping habit. They stalk their prey, then jump on them at the last moment. Magnification: x20 at 6x7cm size

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