LOUSE LEG, SEM
Anterior right paw of a female body louse (Pediculus humanus corporis), colorized SEM (dorsal view ; x 154, the line represents 200 microns). The paw of the insects is constituted of five segments : coxa (hip), trochanter, thighbone, tibia and tarsus. In certain insects, such as the louse, a sixth segment, terminal is present : the pretarsus (or pulvillar pad), consists of a claw. This claw enables the louse to grasp the clothing. Body louse (Pediculus humanus corporis) > Pediculus humanus > Pediculid > Louse > Phthiraptera > Insect > Arthropoda > Animal. This 2006 scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicted a dorsal view of the right flexed foreleg of a female body louse, Pediculus humanus var. corporis, in its entirty. What is visible includes the most distal segment, known as the «pretarsus», followed by the more proximal «tarsus», then the «tibia», «femur», and «trochanter», and finally the most proximal segment, the «coax». In the case of the louse, the leg segments are very stout, and end in claws, which it used to firmly grasp clothing, or a hosts hair shafts. Note how the exoskeletal covering appears to possess an almost fabric-like appearance to the chitinous exoskeleton, which acts to add flexibility at the coxa-trochanteric joint. What are body lice? Body lice are parasitic insects that live on the body and in the clothing or bedding of infested humans. Infestation is common, found worldwide, and affects people of all races. Body lice infestations spread rapidly under crowded conditions where hygiene is poor and there is frequent contact among people. Are body lice infestations common in the United States? Body lice are found only in homeless, transient populations who don't have access to changes of clothes or bath. Infestation is unlikely to persist on anyone who bathes regularly and who regularly has access to freshly laundered clothing and bedding.
Size: 3630px × 2467px
Photo credit: © CDC/ JANICE CARR / BSIP / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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