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Female bedbugs abdomen, SEM
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Female bedbugs abdomen, SEM
Female bedbugs abdomen. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the external groove over the pleural membrane on the abdomen of a female bedbug (Cimex lectularius). During mating, the male uses a specialised organ to pierce the females abdomen at this groove and deposit his sperm in a sac. The sperm then migrate through the body cavity to the seminal conceptacles, where they are stored ready for fertilisation. Among the insects, this so-called traumatic insemination is unique to bedbugs and related families. Two to four generations of young can be bred yearly. Bedbugs feed on human blood. Magnification: x200 at 6x7cm size
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Media ID 9331507
© POWER AND SYRED/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Abdomen Bed Bug Bedbug Cimex Lectularius Copulation Insecta Mating Sexual Reproduction
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate details of a female bedbug's abdomen, captured through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The image reveals the external groove over the pleural membrane, which plays a crucial role in the bedbugs' unique mating process. During copulation, the male bedbug employs a specialized organ to pierce the female's abdomen precisely at this groove. He then deposits his sperm into a sac within her body. The remarkable aspect of this traumatic insemination is that it is exclusive to bedbugs and their closely related families among all insects. After deposition, the sperm migrates through the body cavity until reaching seminal conceptacles where they are stored for future fertilization. Bedbugs are known for their ability to breed rapidly, with two to four generations being produced each year. These blood-feeding insects have an affinity for human hosts and can cause significant discomfort and irritation. With its monochrome aesthetic and magnification of x200 at 6x7cm size, this SEM image offers viewers an up-close look into one of nature's most fascinating reproductive processes. It serves as a testament to both scientific curiosity and appreciation for wildlife in all its intricacies.
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