Amazing macros from Science Photo Library

Fly. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a fruit fly (Drosophila sp.). Its two compound eyes (red) are seen on either side of its head. At lower centre is its proboscis, used for sucking up food. This fly is widely used in genetic experiments as it breeds rapidly and has a small, well-understood genome (genetic code). Magnification: x90 at 6x7cm size. x140 at 4x5"

Dust mite. Coloured Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) of the dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. This mite is eight legged of which six legs are visible (at lower frame). The mite has an unsegmented, round body. It's mouthparts (at lower centre) are highly adapted to feeding on the dead scales of human skin found in household dust. Dust mites are relatives of spiders and scorpions. They are smaller than full stops and therefore invisible to the naked eye. Millions of dust mites live inside furniture and fabric in the average home. The dead bodies and excrement of dust mites can cause allergic reactions to household dust. Magnification x300 at 6x6cm size.

Cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) amongst cat hairs, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Magnification: x100 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.

Hornet head. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a European hornet (Vespa crabro). The compound eyes are on either side of its head, with two antennae branching off to left and right from between the eyes. The biting jaws (mandibles) are at lower centre. Part of the rest of the body, the wings, and two legs, make up the rest of the image. This hornet is the largest of the European wasps, and has a reputation for being aggressive, though it only stings if provoked. Magnification: x10 when printed 10cm wide.

Velvet mite. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a velvet mite (Family Trombidiidae). Velvet mites are small predatory arachnids that live in the upper layers of soil. They are covered in fine hairs give them an appearance of velvet. Magnification: x40 when printed 10cm wide.

Tsetse fly. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a tsetse fly Glossina sp., a blood- sucking parasitic fly of tropical Africa. The fly pierces the skin of its host with the sharp probo- scis at lower right. The tsetse fly transmits Trypanosoma protozoa, of which T. gambiense & T. rhodesiense cause sleeping sickness in humans. Both male & female flies are bloodsuckers. Their habitat is varied, ranging from forest to river banks to savanna. Unlike most flies the tsetse gives birth to fully developed larvae, which immediately pupate. The female nurtures one larva at a time, with a total of 8-10 per lifetime. Magnification: x12.5 at 6x6cm size.

Source - Science Photo Library

Categories: Photo , Photo-Macro