False colour scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the proboscis of a tsetse fly Glossina morsitans,a large bloodsucking fly of tropical Africa. The tsetse fly transmits a parasitic protozoan called Trypanosoma,of which T. gambiense & T. rhodesiense are the agents of sleeping sickness in humans. Both male & female are bloodsuckers. The labium,a sheathlike structure surrounding the delicate mouthparts,opens to allow the stylet,a collection of piercing & sucking instruments,to penetrate the skin surface in search of blood. The blood parasite is deposited at the time of the bite. Magnification: X11 at 35mm size. Original is bw print z340/073 | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Burgess, Dr. Jeremy |
Taille de l’image : | 3592 px × 4972 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |