Assassin bug. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of an assassin bug, also known as a kissing bug. This insect is in the order Hemiptera (sub-family Triatominae). The SEM shows the head (upper centre), part of the body (right) and the two front legs. The structures on the head include large compound eyes (one seen here), two antennae (mounted in front of the eyes), and a large proboscis (centre left). The proboscis curves outwards from the head and then downwards, and is used to punch into and penetrate the skin of the bug's host, feeding on their blood. This insect is a vector for the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease. Magnification: x9.5 when printed 10cm wide.