In zoology, SEM can be used to observe the surface ultrastructure of insect compound eyes and mouthparts, body surface scales, and tiny arthropods such as mites and ticks; identify parasite bodies and spores; analyze the body surface scales and skin microstructure of model organisms such as zebrafish; examine the morphology of animal bone and tissue cross-sections; and study morphological features such as mouthparts, antennae, and legs in insect–plant interactions. Its low-vacuum imaging mode and backscattered electron detection capability allow dried or simply processed animal samples to be imaged rapidly without complex coating. With simple sample preparation and low operational requirements, it is suitable for research on insect taxonomy, parasitology, developmental biology, and animal morphology in universities and research institutes.
