Bean weevil penis. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a male bean weevil's (Callosobruchus maculatus) penis. The tip (top centre) is covered in hard spines,which unfold in the female's genital tract during copulation. The spines penetrate the lining of the tract,leaving numerous puncture wounds. Mating is costly for the female; if she copulates with more than one male,she incurs extensive damage and so dies early. The male's spiny penis therefore increases his chances of siring all of the female's eggs. It may also increase the number of eggs she lays. Magnification unknown | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Power And Syred |
Taille de l’image : | 2787 px × 6297 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |