Bird flea penis (Ceratophyllus farrieni) Science Image

Ref: 80019294c



Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a penis extracted from the body of a flea (Ceratophyllus farrieni). The penis is normally concealed as a coil within the abdomen of the flea. During mating, the male attaches himself to the female with his antennae and genital claspers. The male is then able to uncoil his penis and penetrate the female. The portion of the male reproductive organs involved in penetration are known as the aedeagus. Mating can last from one to nine hours. Fleas (Order: Siphonaptera ) are small, wingless, blood sucking insects that parasitize a variety of birds and mammals. Magnification: x142 at 10cm wide.