Plancia ëd Dasymutilla Ashmead 1899

Descrission:

Under a low magnification of 39X, this scanning electron micrograph (SEM) focused on the proximal base of a female velvet ant’s, Dasymutilla sp., stinger. Note that the base of the stinger is encased in a sheath, the details of which may be seen in greater detail in PHIL 9880. Also see PHIL 4638, 6363, and 6364 for photographs of the ant revealing its coloration, and velvety covering of external chitinous hairs, many of which may be seen in this image surrounding the stinger’s base on the insect’s distal abdomen.
Created: 2007