Images Dated 11th September 2002

Foot of jumping spider, SEM

Foot of jumping spider. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the tip of the leg of a jumping spider (family Salticidae). In contrast to the 3-clawed foot of web-building spiders, this spider's foot has 2 claws and a pad of tufted hair (scopula, lower centre) that allows it to stick to a wide variety of surfaces. Jumping spiders use their excellent vision and jumping ability to hunt insects or spiders. Their jumping mechanism is not powered by their leg muscles; instead, muscle contraction in the front of their body causes the legs to extend by hydraulic pressure. Some jumping spiders mimic other species such as ants or beetles. Magnification unknown

© SUSUMU NISHINAGA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Comfrey petals, SEM

Comfrey petals. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the petals of a comfrey (Symphytum officinale) flower. Comfrey is a perennial herb with large, prickly leaves and pink or cream bell-shaped flowers. It grows wild in North America and is cultivated in many countries for its supposed medicinal properties. The leaves and roots are believed to be able to treat fever, inflammation, wounds and broken bones. However, taking it by mouth can be dangerous due to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause liver damage. Magnification: x100 at 6x7cm size

© SUSUMU NISHINAGA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

El Capitan Point and calm Pacific Ocean at Sunrise, El Capitan State Beach

El Capitan Point and calm Pacific Ocean at Sunrise, El Capitan State Beach, CA, California

© Reid, Rich / Animals Animals/Earth Scenes

Aa Photographer, America, Beach, Beaches, Ca, California, Coast, Coast Line, El Capitan Point, El Capitan State Beach, Environment, Environmental, Geology, Hill Side, Landscape, Location, Natural, Nature, North America, Ocean, Open Space, Out Side, Outdoor, Outdoors, Pacific Ocean, Rich Reid, Scen Ic, Sea Side, Shore, State Beach, Thp, United States, United States Of America, Us A, Water, Wave