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

Single lenticular cloud

Lenticular cloud or altocumulus lenticularis. Lenticular clouds get their name from their smooth, lens-like shape. They are usually caused when wind forms standing waves of air on the lee side of mountains. Lenticular clouds form when moisture in the air condenses at the top of these waves, and dissipate when the air descends again. The cloud pattern depends upon the wind speed and the shape of the mountains. A constant wind may produce clouds which are stable and remain virtually stationary in the sky for long periods. Lenticular clouds are sometimes mistaken for alien flying saucer spacecraft. Photographed from Mauna Kea, Hawaii, USA

© Magrath/Folsom/Science Photo Library

Horse Stables and Holiday Wreath, Arroyo Hondo, Gaviota Coast, CA California

© Reid, Rich / Animals Animals/Earth Scenes

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