X-Ray microtomography for ant taxonomy: An exploration and case study with two new Terataner (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) species from Madagascar

PLoS One. 2017 Mar 22;12(3):e0172641. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172641. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

We explore the potential of x-ray micro computed tomography (μCT) for the field of ant taxonomy by using it to enhance the descriptions of two remarkable new species of the ant genus Terataner: T. balrog sp. n. and T. nymeria sp. n.. We provide an illustrated worker-based species identification key for all species found on Madagascar, as well as detailed taxonomic descriptions, which include diagnoses, discussions, measurements, natural history data, high-quality montage images and distribution maps for both new species. In addition to conventional morphological examination, we have used virtual reconstructions based on volumetric μCT scanning data for the species descriptions. We also include 3D PDFs, still images of virtual reconstructions, and 3D rotation videos for both holotype workers and one paratype queen. The complete μCT datasets have been made available online (Dryad, https://datadryad.org) and represent the first cybertypes in ants (and insects). We discuss the potential of μCT scanning and critically assess the usefulness of cybertypes for ant taxonomy.

MeSH terms

  • Animal Distribution / physiology
  • Animals
  • Ants / classification*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Madagascar
  • X-Ray Microtomography / methods

Grants and funding

Subsidy funding to EPE by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (http://www.oist.jp); DEB-0072713, DEB-0344731, DEB-0842395 to BLF by National Science Foundation (http://www.nsf.gov); Ernst Mayr Travel Grant & research travel grant to FHG by Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University (http://www.mcz.harvard.edu). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.