A Maggot's Face As Seen Through A Scanning Electron Microscope

January 4, 2022

You'll never think of a maggot the same way after seeing an electron microscope image of one.

maggot electron microscope
Credit: SPL / Barcroft Media

Many social media users are horrified by the image. Others say it looks like a walrus.

A space walrus.

maggot electron microscope

A scanning electron microscope is a type of electron microscope that produces images of a sample by scanning the surface with a focused beam of electrons. Because they use electrons, SEMs have a very high resolution and can image even nanosized structures.

This electron microscope image of a mosquito's foot was quite popular a few years ago. 

mosquito electron microscope
Credit: Steve Gschmeissner / RPS

The image shows the end of a mosquito's leg, including a claw, scales and the pulvillus, a pad with adhesive hairs.

There's also this one of a caterpillar.

caterpillar
Credit: SPL / Barcroft Media