Mouthparts Collection (#3)

Ant head C018 / 2372
Ant head. Close-up of the head of an ant (Aphaenogaster sp.), showing its large mandibles (lower centre) and compound eyes (black, upper left and right). Aphaenogaster sp. Ants

Moth head C018 / 2431
Moth head. Close-up of the head of a moth, showing one of its large compound eyes (dark, round) and the scales that cover its body

Ant head C018 / 2373
Ant head. Close-up of the head of an ant (Aphaenogaster sp.), showing its large mandibles (lower right) and one of its compound eyes (black, upper centre)

Spiny orbweaver spider C018 / 2397
Spiny orbweaver spider

Spiny orbweaver spider C018 / 2398
Spiny orbweaver spider. The spiny orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) is found across the southern part of the United States, as well as in Central America, South America

Mosquito C018 / 2429
Mosquito. Close-up of a mosquito, showing its feathery antennae (right) and long proboscis (lower right), which it uses to suck blood

Leafcutter ant C018 / 2392
Leafcutter ant. Close-up of the head of a Daceton boltoni ant, showing its large mandibles (upper left), which it uses to cut through leaves

Trap-jaw ant C018 / 2435
Trap-jaw ant. Close-up of the head of a trap-jaw ant (Odontomachus sp.), showing its large mandibles (right). These carnivorous ants have spring-loaded serrated jaws to allow them to trap prey

Trap-jaw ant C013 / 7059
Trap-jaw ant. Close-up of a trap-jaw ant (Odontomachus bauri), showing its large mandibles protruding to the left and right of its head (centre)

Trap-jaw ant C013 / 7058
Trap-jaw ant. Close-up of a trap-jaw ant (Odontomachus bauri), showing its large mandibles protruding to the left and right of its head (centre)

Trap-jaw ant carrying eggs C013 / 7056
Trap-jaw ant carrying eggs. Close-up of a trap-jaw ant (Odontomachus bauri) using its large mandibles to carry eggs. This Central

Trap-jaw ant carrying eggs C013 / 7055
Trap-jaw ant carrying eggs. Close-up of a trap-jaw ant (Odontomachus bauri) using its large mandibles to carry eggs. This Central

Trap-jaw ant C013 / 7054
Trap-jaw ant. Close-up of a trap-jaw ant (Odontomachus bauri), showing its large mandibles (right) protruding to the left and right of the head

Ant carrying water C013 / 7053
Ant carrying water. Close-up of an Ectatomma sp. ant carrying a droplet of water in its mandibles to bring back to the nest

Emperor scorpion C013 / 4402
Emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator). This is the largest of the scorpions, reaching a length of over 20 centimetres. It inhabits forests and savannah in tropical central Africa

Emperor scorpion eating a cricket C013 / 4400
Emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator) eating a cricket. This is the largest of the scorpions, reaching a length of over 20 centimetres. It inhabits forests and savannah in tropical central Africa

Honey bee head, SEM C013 / 4779
Honey bee head. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of a honey bee (Apis sp.). The compound eyes (dark) are either side of the antennae

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"Mouthparts: Unveiling the Intricate World of Nature's Feeding Mechanisms" Discovering the mesmerizing world of mouthparts, as captured through a colored scanning electron micrograph of a fly head. These tiny structures hold secrets that both fascinate and deceive. Intriguingly irresistible, the liar within these mouthparts is unveiled. A leaf-cutter ant from Pacaya-Samiria NR in Peru showcases its impeccable cutting skills, highlighting the precision with which it wields its jaw-like mandibles. Delving deeper into this microscopic realm, we encounter a maggot head under SEM C014/1449. Its intricate anatomy leaves us awestruck, reminding us that beauty can be found even in unexpected places. Artistry takes form as we explore spider anatomy depicted through an exquisite artwork. The complexity of their mouthparts serves as a testament to nature's ingenuity and adaptability. Moving on to honey bees' mouths under SEM C016/8004, we witness their delicate yet efficient design for sipping nectar and collecting pollen. Their vital role in pollination becomes evident as we marvel at their specialized proboscis. The bullet ant (C018/2481) and leafcutter ant (C018/2390) make appearances next, showcasing diverse adaptations for survival within their respective ecosystems. Their formidable jaws remind us of nature's endless variety and resourcefulness. Picture No. 11675186 brings forth the head of an Anopheles mosquito, revealing female mouthparts responsible for transmitting diseases through biting humans. This reminder emphasizes the importance of understanding these mechanisms to combat vector-borne illnesses effectively. From flies to ants, maggots to spiders – this captivating journey through various species' mouthparts sheds light on their remarkable diversity and functionality within our natural world.