Proboscis Up Close
Oct 8, 2020 17:14:03 #
It's the Stink Bug time of year once again. At times it seems like I could fill a bucket with them and I threw out six of them yesterday alone. I staged one of my preserved Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs for a magnified view of its proboscis.
Here's a bit about what I have learned about these highly specialized insects as a novice enthusiast: True Bugs do not have chewing mouthparts to eat solid food like other families of insects so they have to suck up liquids. Their proboscis contains a slender set of mandibles that they use to pierce and they have channels that are used to flow the juices upward to be eaten. Anyone who is familiar with Mosquito bites can relate to how this works. The Stink Bug exudes enzymes in its saliva to liquify the flesh of fruit so that it can be sucked up. Biting into an apple with a brown soft spot is most likely evidence of one that has been one's meal.
Here's a bit about what I have learned about these highly specialized insects as a novice enthusiast: True Bugs do not have chewing mouthparts to eat solid food like other families of insects so they have to suck up liquids. Their proboscis contains a slender set of mandibles that they use to pierce and they have channels that are used to flow the juices upward to be eaten. Anyone who is familiar with Mosquito bites can relate to how this works. The Stink Bug exudes enzymes in its saliva to liquify the flesh of fruit so that it can be sucked up. Biting into an apple with a brown soft spot is most likely evidence of one that has been one's meal.
Oct 8, 2020 17:47:08 #
Your work with macro photography is top notch. Incredible quality.
--Bob
--Bob
sippyjug104 wrote:
It's the Stink Bug time of year once again. At tim... (show quote)
Oct 8, 2020 18:27:54 #
rmalarz wrote:
Your work with macro photography is top notch. Incredible quality.
--Bob
--Bob
Thanks ever so much for the reply and the encouraging feedback.
Oct 8, 2020 18:32:19 #
You're very welcome.
--Bob
--Bob
sippyjug104 wrote:
Thanks ever so much for the reply and the encouraging feedback.
Oct 8, 2020 18:34:57 #
sippyjug104 wrote:
It's the Stink Bug time of year once again. At tim... (show quote)
A Fantastic set !!!!!Gary
Oct 8, 2020 18:43:52 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
A Fantastic set !!!!!Gary
Thanks, I imagine that you have them crawling around down your way this time of year too.
Oct 8, 2020 19:05:47 #
Oct 8, 2020 23:12:03 #
Oct 9, 2020 07:43:07 #
sippyjug104 wrote:
Thanks, I imagine that you have them crawling around down your way this time of year too.
I haven't seen any yet, but they I'M not looking for them, just watching for copperheads.
Oct 9, 2020 08:57:21 #
Oct 9, 2020 09:46:25 #
Oct 9, 2020 09:51:16 #
Don, the 2nd son wrote:
Your incredible images are a highlight of my day!!!
Thanks, Don. It's truly my pleasure to share what I see through the lens.
Oct 9, 2020 09:51:39 #
Oct 9, 2020 11:13:14 #
Oct 9, 2020 13:53:20 #
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