Ant head. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of an unidentified ant. The compound eyes (blue) are at either side of the head. The jointed

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Ant head. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of an unidentified ant. The compound eyes (blue) are at either side of the head. The jointed antennae protrude from between the compound eyes. The antennae are used for touch and smell. At the front of the head are the mouthparts, which are used for hunting, carrying and fighting. The overlapping mandibles (lower centre) have serrated edges for cutting. A palp (sensory organ) is seen protruding from beneath the left mandible. Ants are related to bees and wasps. They are social insects and form large colonies. Magnification unknown.

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Size: 5052px × 3419px
Photo credit: © THIERRY BERROD, MONA LISA PRODUCTION/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, ant, antenna, coloured, eye, head, hymenoptera, hymenopteran, insect, insecta, invertebrate, invertebrates, mandible, mandibles, mouth, mouthparts, nature, sem, wildlife, zoology