Mosquito tarsus. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the mosquito tarsus. Shown here is the mosquito leg tarsus, that includes a claw, pulvillar pad with tenent setae (adhesive hairs), and surrounding scales. Note the unusual bundles of layered scales at the end of this mosquito leg tarsus. Scales cover various parts of the body of most mosquitoes, they are especially dense on the mosquito leg. They are thought to provide protection and water-supporting force. Magnification: x 800 when printed 10cm wide.