Micro View of Bugs

Some examples of the weird and wonderful micro-structure of insects and other arthropods. All can be seen with low power microscope (up to x200). Almost any insect or other 'creepy-crawly' found around the house or garden can reveal a hidden world of minute hairs, spines, scales and delicate sculpturing over the body surface. The colour patterns on the body and wings of insects are often due to one or other of these microscopic features.

Legs

Leg of a fly (Musca) showing the end of the tibia with its large terminal spines and the five narrower tarsal segments (transmitted light, x60).

Leg of a fly (Musca) showing the last tarsal segment with its paired claws and adhesive pads (transmitted light, x200).

Leg of a tube-building spider (Amaurobius) showing the last two leg segments and terminal claws (transmitted light, x60).

Hindleg of a water boatman (Corixa) showing the hairy, paddle-shaped terminal segment used for swimming(transmitted light, x60).