bild

Wasp foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the foot of a common wasp (Vespula vulgaris). This is the final segment of the leg, known as the tarsus. It contains two claws (orange) and a suction pad, or plantula (green and brown, between claws), that helps the wasp to grip smooth surfaces. The hairs on the leg are used to groom the wasp's body and wings. Magnification: x100 when printed at 10 centimetres tall. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/MIKE MCNAMEE)