Figure 9.21 Sexual conflict in bedbugs. (a) The male bedbug possesses a sharp sperm-transferring appendage that it uses to pierce the underside of females in a specific location. (b) Using this appendage, located on the far end of its abdomen, males can mount females and pierce the females repeatedly. This causes the females to have a shorter life and to lay fewer eggs.

Photos by Andrew Syred/Photo Researchers, Inc.