Images Dated 11th September 2002

Foot of jumping spider, SEM

Foot of jumping spider. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the tip of the leg of a jumping spider (family Salticidae). In contrast to the 3-clawed foot of web-building spiders, this spider's foot has 2 claws and a pad of tufted hair (scopula, lower centre) that allows it to stick to a wide variety of surfaces. Jumping spiders use their excellent vision and jumping ability to hunt insects or spiders. Their jumping mechanism is not powered by their leg muscles; instead, muscle contraction in the front of their body causes the legs to extend by hydraulic pressure. Some jumping spiders mimic other species such as ants or beetles. Magnification unknown

© SUSUMU NISHINAGA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Daisy fleabane flower, SEM

Daisy fleabane flower. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the flower head of daisy fleabane (Erigeron sp.). This "flower" is actually a compound inflorescence composed of many small tubular flowers. This is similar to the arrangement in the sunflower, to which daisy fleabane is related (they are both members of the Asteraceae). The name "fleabane" comes from the mistaken belief that the flower repels fleas or other insects. Daisy fleabanes are native to North America and are found in most of the USA and southern Canada; they have been introduced to Europe. Magnification: x8 at 6x7cm size

© SUSUMU NISHINAGA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

El Capitan Point and calm Pacific Ocean at Sunrise, El Capitan State Beach

El Capitan Point and calm Pacific Ocean at Sunrise, El Capitan State Beach, CA, California

© Reid, Rich / Animals Animals/Earth Scenes

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