Detail of a beetle foot. Scanning electron micrograph of the foot and claw of a beetle (Sagra sp.). This image shows the upper surface of the foot and the edge of the pad of tiny hairs that enables the beetle to grip and climb slippery surfaces easily. Often known as frog beetles because of their long back legs, these colourful insects (coleoptera) with a metallic sheen on their exoskeletons, are killed by the thousands for the art market where they are dried, framed and sold. They are found in an amazing array of colours from variations of red, blue and green and originate in south-east Asian countries such as Thailand and Malaysia. Magnification x83 (x20 at 10cm wide)
