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SEM of bed bugs
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SEM of bed bugs
Bed bugs mating. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a pair of bed bugs mating. Bed bugs (Cimex lectularius)are blood sucking insects, so called because they live in the beds of humans. Mating in bed bugs (and related families) is unique amongst the insects. The male (above) does not introduce his sperm into the females vaginal opening. Instead he punctures the body wall of one of the females abdominal segments and deposits his sperm in a sac. This is called traumatic insemination. Two to four generations can be bred yearly, so that under suitable conditions infestation of a house can occur rapidly. Magnification x10 at 5x7cm size. Magnification: x22 at 6x4.5 inch size
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Media ID 6468959
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Bed Bug Cimex Lectularius Copulation Insecta Mating Re Production Sexual Sexual Reproduction
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This print showcases a rare and intimate moment in the world of bed bugs. In this coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM), we witness a pair of bed bugs engaged in mating, shedding light on their unique reproductive behavior. Bed bugs, known as Cimex lectularius, are notorious blood-sucking insects that infest human beds. What sets the mating process of bed bugs apart from other insects is its peculiarity. Unlike most species, the male does not deposit his sperm into the female's vaginal opening. Instead, he punctures her body wall and carefully places his sperm in a sac through traumatic insemination. The intricate details captured by this SEM image allow us to marvel at nature's complexity. At magnifications of x10 for 5x7cm prints or x22 for 6x4.5 inch prints, every tiny feature becomes visible - from their delicate bodies to the precise placement of the male's sperm sac. Bed bug infestations can rapidly escalate due to their ability to breed two to four generations each year under favorable conditions. This makes it crucial for humans to understand their biology and develop effective control measures. Through this remarkable photograph provided by Science Photo Library, we gain insight into the fascinating world of these resilient creatures while appreciating both the beauty and intricacy found within nature's smallest inhabitants.
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