Miocene ant-mealybug trophobiosis imaged with X-Ray micro-computed tomography

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Authors

Ru Smith

Abstract

Amber is a remarkable preserving medium for Mesozoic and Cenozoic terrestrial biotas, but even when transparency is good, available viewing angles can be limited. The technique of X-ray micro-computed tomography allows inspection from any desired viewpoint and facilitates detailed anatomical measurements, avoiding parallax errors. Here, I show the use of this technique to study an extremely rare association of a Miocene ant (Acropyga glaesaria) trapped in resin while carrying a mealybug (Electromyrmococcus inclusus) with which to incubate a new colony. This is only a fourth known example of an Acropyga gyne holding a mealybug and the second recorded specimen of Electromyrmococcus inclusus. Measurements and other features of both ant and mealybug are consistent with the holotypes.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31223/X58X2Z

Subjects

Paleobiology, Paleontology, Research Methods in Life Sciences

Keywords

micro-computed tomography, amber, Miocene, Symbiosis, trophobiosis, ant, mealybug, and

Dates

Published: 2024-10-26 15:04

Last Updated: 2024-10-26 22:04

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No Creative Commons license