Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) head. I. ricinus is the vector of the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that

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Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) head. I. ricinus is the vector of the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that causes Lyme disease. The mouthparts are adapted to pierce the host's skin and consist of two cutting, or lacerating organs and a penetrating, anchor-like blood-sucking organ. The tick may remain attached for several days while blood-feeding. On each side of the mouthparts, the tick has two limb-like accessory appendages, the pediphalps, that act as sensors and lend support when the tick fastens to the host's body. Magnification: x145 when printed at 10cm wide.

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Size: 2499px × 3507px
Photo credit: © JANNICKE WIIK-NIELSEN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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