Mosquito mouthparts, SEM

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Mosquito mouthparts, SEM

Mosquito mouthparts. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the mouthparts of a mosquito (family Culicidae). The head is at far right, with compound eyes (green). The elongated structures extending from the head to far left are the two antennae and the mouthparts, with one of the front legs seen behind them. The two antennae, mounted between the eyes, are sensory structures. Below them are the mouthparts: several palps (long and short) and the proboscis (bottom structure, long and thick) ending in a sharp point at lower left. The proboscis is used to pierce the skin of humans and other mammals and feed on blood. Some mosquito species transmit diseases such as malaria

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 6461920

© STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Antenna Antennae Antennas Compound Compound Eye Culicidae False Colour Mosquito Mouth Mouth Part Organs Proboscis Sense Sensory False Coloured

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate mouthparts of a mosquito, providing a mesmerizing glimpse into the world of these tiny creatures. In this colored scanning electron micrograph (SEM), we can observe the various components that make up the mosquito's feeding apparatus. At first glance, our attention is drawn to the compound eyes on the far right, radiating a vivid green hue. Moving towards the left, we encounter two elongated antennae protruding from between those keen eyes. These sensory structures play a crucial role in detecting environmental cues. Beneath them lie an array of mouthparts responsible for piercing and extracting blood from their hosts. The several palps, both long and short, surround the proboscis – a long and thick structure ending in a sharp point at lower left. It is through this needle-like proboscis that mosquitoes pierce human and animal skin to feed on blood. It is important to note that while these insects may seem harmless individually, some species have gained notoriety as disease vectors transmitting illnesses such as malaria. Through this stunning image captured by Science Photo Library using scanning electron microscopy techniques, we gain insight into the complex anatomy of mosquitoes – shedding light on their biology and highlighting their significance within nature's intricate tapestry.

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