Wasp Antenna

A grayscale scanning electron micrograph (SEM) showing a highly detailed surface covered in sharp, pointed, overlapping scales or hairs. Several larger, rounded bud-like structures are nestled within the pointed textures. A technical data bar at the bottom indicates a 5µm scale and a 1.70k magnification.

Label: Wasp Antenna
Artist: Catherine Fidd
Description: Surface of wasp antenna imaged in scanning electron microscope. Insect antenna are remarkably versatile sensing modalities. Their microstructure allows for detection of oscillations in the surrounding air particles. Antenna are quite useful for not just orienting, but have also been shown to have olfactory capabilities, where they can detect chemicals.
Type: Microscope
Artist Affiliation: Graduate Student
Department: Material Science, Engineering, and Biological Science
Area of Research: Tribology
Research Group Site: FCAAP – CISCOR – ENERGY LABORATORIES
Date: 2023