Stylet Collection

The Blessed Henry Suso, c. 1636-38 (oil on canvas) (b / w photo)
ALI202743 The Blessed Henry Suso, c.1636-38 (oil on canvas) (b/w photo) by Zurbaran, Francisco de (1598-1664); Museo de Bellas Artes, Seville, Spain; (add.info.: Henry Suso (also called Amandus)

Styli used for writing in the 14th century, from Le Moyen Age et La Renaissance
KW260560 Styli used for writing in the 14th century, from Le Moyen Age et La Renaissance by Paul Lacroix (1806-84) published 1847 (litho) by French School

Mosquito proboscis, SEM C017 / 8310
Mosquito proboscis. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the proboscis of an Anopheles gambiae mosquito. The green part is the stylet, which is used to pierce th skin

Bed bug, SEM
Bed bug. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a bed bug (Cimex lectularius). It has a rounded compound eye (pink)

Electron micrograph of cat flea stylet in skin
Cat fleas stylet. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a cat fleas stylet piercing the skin of its host. This hollow organ

Scanning electron micrograph of cat fleas head
Cat flea head. Coloured scanning electron micro- graph of the head of a cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis), seen from the front

Piercing mouthparts (maxilla) of cat flea

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

Bedbug head, SEM
Bedbug head. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a bedbug (Cimex sp.). Antennae are seen at top, with compound eyes (purple) at the sides of its head

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

Gnat head, light micrograph
Gnat head. Light micrograph of the head (lower left), antennae (upper left), proboscis (lower right) and other mouthparts of a gnat (Culex pipiens)

Backswimmers head, light micrograph
Backswimmers head. Light micrograph of the head and mouthparts of the backswimmer (Notonecta sp.), also known as the greater water boatman

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"The Art of Stylet: From Medieval Writing to Microscopic Marvels" Step back in time and discover the fascinating world of stylets. In this captivating journey, we explore the diverse uses and intricate designs of these slender instruments throughout history. Let's begin with "The Blessed Henry Suso, " a mesmerizing painting from the 17th century. As we admire this oil on canvas masterpiece, we can't help but wonder if Suso ever used a stylet for his writings, just like those depicted in "Styli used for writing in the 14th century. " But they are not limited to human hands; nature has its own versions too. Take a closer look at the microscopic wonders captured by electron microscopes - the delicate proboscis of a mosquito, or perhaps even more unsettling, the piercing mouthparts of bedbugs and fleas. Intriguingly, these tiny creatures rely on their stylets for survival. The bird cherry aphid demonstrates its prowess as it delicately pierces plant tissue with its minuscule stylus-like structure. Moving away from insects, let's delve into other realms where stylets play an essential role. A wasp sting is magnified under light microscopy, revealing its sharpness and precision. Similarly, a gnat head showcases intricate details that make up its feeding apparatus. From ancient scribes to blood-sucking pests and nature's predators alike – all have found ingenious ways to utilize stylets for their specific needs. Whether it be leaving indelible marks on parchment or extracting vital nourishment from unsuspecting hosts – these unassuming tools continue to captivate our imagination. So next time you put pen to paper or encounter an insect bite, spare a thought for the humble yet versatile stylet – an instrument that has left an indelible mark across centuries and species alike.