Bromeliad mosquito wing, SEM

Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Bromeliad mosquito wing (Wyeomyia mitchellii). Shown here is the bromeliad mosquito wing surface. Note the scales that are positioned on the wing edge and along the wing veins. Scales cover various parts of the body of most mosquitoes, they are especially dense on the mosquito leg. They are thought to provide protection and water-supporting force. Bromeliads are composed of a spiral arrangement of leaves sometimes called a rosette. The bases of the leaves in the rosette may overlap tightly to form a water reservoir that serves as breeding sites for mosquito larvae. The adult female bromeliad mosquito lays her eggs in the bromeliad water. Adult females bite warm blooded animals and feed on the blood for development. Magnification: x53 when shortest axis printed at 25 millimetres.