Male bedbug's sexual organ. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the intromittant organ or sexual organ of a male bedbug (Cimex lectularius). During mating, the male pierces the body wall of one of the female's abdominal segments with this organ and deposits his sperm in a sac. The sperm then migrate through the body cavity to the seminal conceptacles, where they are stored ready for later fertilisation. Among the insects, this so-called traumatic insemination is unique to bedbugs and related families. Two to four generations of young can be bred yearly. The bedbug is a nocturnal parasite that feeds on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. It inhabits human dwelling places, living in mattresses, upholstery and flooring. Magnification: x1350 (x180 at 10cm wide).