Image of Eastern Carpenter Bee

Description:

Under a very low magnification of only 24x, this scanning electron micrograph (SEM) revealed the rear leg anatomy of a carpenter bee, Xylocopa virginica, at the region of the "tibial spur". These spurs, which are exoskeletal protuberances, enable the bee to grasp various floral structures, thereby, enhancing its maneuverability inside the flower while it obtained its nectar meal, and pollinated the plant.
Created: 2006