Chitin Collection

Butterfly wing, SEM
Butterfly wing. Image 2 of 6. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface of a wing from an unidentified butterfly (order Lepidoptera, meaning " scale-wing" in Greek)

Close-up patterns of butterfly wings showing the tiny overlapping scales

Tick (Ixodidae), view from above

Ant anus, SEM C018 / 0550
Ant anus, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Ants excrete bodily waste through a single orifice, their anus, which is located at the tip of the abdomen

Moth scale, SEM C018 / 0545
Moth scale, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). These scales are found on the wings of moths and butterflies. They are hair-like structures that form a powder when the insect is touched

Ant spiracle, SEM C018 / 0551
Ant spiracle, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Spiracles are openings in an insects exoskeleton that connect to the tracheal tubes which deliver oxygen directly to tissues within

Moth scale, SEM C018 / 0543
Moth scale, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). These scales are found on the wings of moths and butterflies. They are hair-like structures that form a powder when the insect is touched

Mosquito antenna, SEM C018 / 0540
Mosquito antenna, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The lobed structures and hairs an an insects antenna have sensory roles. Magnification: x2050 when printed at 10 centimetres across

Moth scales, SEM C018 / 0542
Moth scales, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). These scales are on the underside of a moths wing. The scales are hair-like structures that form a powder when the insect is touched

Moth scale, SEM C018 / 0544
Moth scale, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). These scales are found on the wings of moths and butterflies. They are hair-like structures that form a powder when the insect is touched

Mosquito antenna, SEM C018 / 0539
Mosquito antenna, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The lobed structures and hairs an an insects antenna have sensory roles. Magnification: x2050 when printed at 10 centimetres across

Moth scales, SEM C018 / 0541
Moth scales, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). These scales, here on the edge of a moths mouthparts, are hair-like structures that form a powder when the insect is touched

Ant anus, SEM C018 / 0549
Ant anus, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Ants excrete bodily waste through a single orifice, their anus, which is located at the tip of the abdomen

Newly emerged adult silkmoth C015 / 6238
Imago ( adult stage ) of the Chinese silkmoth, Samia cynthia, in process of inflating its wings. S. cynthia is a native of Eastern China, where its cocoons are one source of wild silk

Newly emerged silkmoth, Samia cynthia C015 / 6237
Imago ( adult stage ) of the Chinese silkmoth, Samia cynthia, in process of inflating its wings. S. cynthia is a native of Eastern China, where its cocoons are one source of wild silk

Chitin, molecular model C016 / 5797
Chitin. Molecular model of chitin, a long-chain polysaccharide polymer with the repeat unit having the formula C8.H13.O5.N

Chitin, molecular model C016 / 5796
Chitin. Molecular model of chitin, a long-chain polysaccharide polymer with the repeat unit having the formula C8.H13.O5.N

Chitin, molecular model C016 / 5795
Chitin. Molecular model of chitin, a long-chain polysaccharide polymer with the repeat unit having the formula C8.H13.O5.N

Woodlouse leg, SEM
Woodlouse leg. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface structure of the leg of a woodlouse. A woodlouse has a pair of legs on each segment of its body

Madagascan day moth wing. Macrophotograph of an eyespot on the wing of a Madagascan day moth (Chrysiridia madagascarensis)

Moth wing, SEM
Moth wing. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of scales on the wing of an unidentified moth (order Lepidoptera, meaning " scale-wing" in Greek)

SEM of the bird cherry aphid
Scanning electron micrograph, tinted green, of the bird cherry aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (also known as Aphis avenae), next to its recently cast off exoskeleton

Moth wing. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the wing of a moth (order Lepidoptera). A moth wing is covered in tiny scales that are modified hairs (setae)

Cricket moulting. Cricket emerging from its exoskeleton late one evening. This is done as the insect grows, as the exoskeleton cannot expand but has to be shed

Insect exoskeleton, SEM
Insect exoskeleton. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a the exoskeleton of an insect from the family Reduviidae

Wasp sting, light micrograph
Wasp sting. Light micrograph of the dissected stinging apparatus of a worker wasp (Vespula germanica). In this preparation the three parts of the shaft of the sting have separated into the two

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Chitin: The Intricate Beauty of Nature's Armor Step into the mesmerizing world of chitin, a remarkable substance found in various organisms. From delicate butterfly wings to the resilient exoskeletons of ticks and ants, chitin weaves its magic throughout the natural realm. Take a closer look at a butterfly wing under an electron microscope (SEM), and you'll be captivated by the intricate patterns formed by tiny overlapping scales. These scales not only provide vibrant colors but also offer protection against predators. Moving on to ticks, their exoskeletons showcase another marvel of chitin. When viewed from above, it becomes apparent how this armor shields them from harm while they latch onto their hosts for survival. Returning to butterfly wings, let us delve deeper into their enchanting beauty. Close-up images reveal the meticulous arrangement of those minuscule scales that create stunning patterns resembling works of art, and is through these structures that butterflies achieve both elegance and defense simultaneously. Butterflies are not alone in utilizing chitin's strength; ants too possess this incredible material within their anatomy. An examination of an ant anus reveals yet another example of nature's ingenuity as SEM imagery showcases the intricacies hidden beneath our naked eyes. Moths join this symphony with their own unique contribution – moth scales composed primarily of chitin. Under SEM scrutiny, these scales expose themselves as miniature wonders full of texture and detail that add grace to every fluttering motion. Venturing further into insect anatomy brings us to ant spiracles - tiny openings allowing air passage for respiration purposes. Through SEM imaging, we witness how even such minute structures rely on chitin for support and functionality. Finally, let us explore one last wonder - mosquito antennae adorned with sensory hairs made possible by none other than chitin itself. These microscopic features enable mosquitoes to detect chemical cues vital for locating potential prey or mates amidst vast landscapes.