Assassin bug. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the head of an assassin bug, also known as a kissing bug. This insect is in the order Hemiptera (sub-family Triatominae). The SEM shows one of the two large compound eyes (upper left), the first parts of the antennae (upper right), and a large proboscis (lower right). 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: x20 when printed 10cm wide.