Under a relatively low magnification of 63X, this scanning electron micrograph (SEM) focused on the distal tip of a female velvet ants, Dasymutilla sp., stinger. Note that the very tip of the stinger is encased in a bulbous sheath, the details of which may be seen under greater magnification in PHIL 9881, 9882, and 9883. Also see PHIL 4638, 6363, and 6364 for photographs of the ant revealing its coloration, and velvety covering of external chitinous hairs.Created: 2007