Evolution of odorant receptor repertoires across Hymenoptera is not linked to the evolution of eusociality.

Communication is essential for social organisms. In eusocial insects, olfaction facilitates communication and recognition between nestmates. The study of certain model organisms has led to the hypothesis that odorant receptors are expanded in eusocial Hymenoptera.

Parallel And Divergent Morphological Adaptations Underlying The Evolution of Jumping Ability in Ants.

Jumping is a rapid locomotory mode widespread in terrestrial organisms. However, it is a rare specialization in ants. Forward jumping has been reported within four distantly related ant genera: , and .

Morphology of the metapleural gland and its associated novel atrial cone gland in Strumigenys ants.

The metapleural gland is a unique feature of the ant phenotype, but diversity in its anatomy and function across the ants is not well documented or understood. We studied the morphology of the metapleural gland in 20 mainly Oriental Strumigenys species using histology, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and micro-CT. The gland is formed by a cluster of class-3 cells, their secretion is transported through a bundle of ducts into the sclerotized atrium and is guided along a series of parallel cuticular ridges towards the atrial opening.

 sp. nov.: a new addition from Ivory Coast to the Afrotropical species group (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae).

In this study the taxonomy of the species group is updated for the Afrotropical region and the new species described. It is integrated into the existing taxonomic system by an updated identification key for the whole group and an update of the known distribution ranges of its members. High quality focus stacking images are provided, with X-ray micro-CT scanned digital 3D representations, of major and minor worker type specimens.

A Roadmap to Reconstructing Muscle Architecture from CT Data.

Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary force generation across animals, and muscle architecture largely determines the parameters of mechanical output. The ability to analyze muscle performance through muscle architecture is thus a key step towards better understanding the ecology and evolution of movements and morphologies. In pennate skeletal muscle, volume, fiber lengths, and attachment angles to force transmitting structures comprise the most relevant parameters of muscle architecture.