Pest Gallery

Spider mite, SEM

Spider mite. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a spider mite (Tetranychus sp.). It is an economic pest and plant parasite, found on vegetable crops, fruit trees and flowers. It feeds on the leaf sap, which causes leaves to mottle, turn yellow and fall off. The spider mite is named due to its ability to spin a web, which it does across a leaf surface that secures and protects it against predators. Their numbers can be controlled with organophosphorus pesticide, although some resistance has developed. Another method is biological control, using a natural predator, such as gall midge larva (Feltiella acarisuga). Magnification: x135 at 6x7cm size

© STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Red flour beetle in flight

Red flour beetle. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of a red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum) in flight. One of the most significant pests of dried foods and the milling industry, this insect is particularly damaging to stored grain products - with the female laying its eggs in processed cereals. It has powerful chewing mouthparts, but does not bite or sting. Of Indo- Australian origin, it has populated temperate areas throughout the world. Magnification: x18 when printed 10 centimetres wide

© POWER AND SYRED/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Carpet beetle larva, SEM

Carpet beetle larva. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a carpet beetle (Anthrenus sp.) larva amongst the fibres of a wool carpet. These larvae are a significant pest, feeding on animal materials including fur, feathers, hair, leather and other fabrics and stored food products. The larvae can survive for two to three years indoors, before hatching into free-living adult beetles. They are covered in hairs (setae) that can cause irritation to humans on contact with skin or if inhaled. Magnification: x50 when printed 10 centimetres wide

© STEVE GSCHMEISSNER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY