Abstract The fossil record allows a unique glimpse into the evolutionary history of organisms living on Earth today. We discovered specimen stem group ant †Gerontoformica gracilis (Barden and Grimaldi, 2014) in Kachin amber with near-complete preservation internal head structures, which we document employing µ-computed-tomography-based 3D reconstructions. compare to four outgroup taxa extant species, parsimony Bayesian ancestral state reconstruction identify morphological differences...

The hypogaeic ant subfamilies Leptanillinae and Martialinae likely form the sister group to remainder of extant Formicidae. In order increase knowledge anatomy functional morphology these unusual phylogenetically crucial ants, we document describe in detail cranium a leptanilline, Protanilla lini Terayama, 2009. mandibular articulation species differs greatly from that other ants studied so far, clearly represents derived condition. We propose mode movement for specialized mandibles involves...

Abstract It is generally assumed that Cretaceous stem ants were obligately eusocial, because of the presence wingless adult females, yet available evidence ambiguous. Here, we report syninclusion a pupa and ant species from Mid-Cretaceous amber. As brood are immobile, was likely to have been transported by an adult. Therefore, fossil substantiates hypothesis females cooperators, thus these true ‘workers’. Re-examination all described reveals winged–wingless diphenism – hence variable...

Abstract Background Explanations for the ecological dominance of ants generally focus on benefits division labour and cooperation during foraging. However, principal innovation relative to their wasp ancestors was evolution a new phenotype: wingless worker caste optimized ground labour. Ant workers are famous ability lift carry heavy loads, but we know surprisingly little about morphological basis strength. Here examine consequences universal loss flight in ant skeletomuscular adaptations...

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

Shape is a natural phenomenon inherent to many different lifeforms. A modern technique analyse shape geometric morphometrics (GM), which offers whole range of methods concerning the pure an object. The results from these have provided new insights into biological problems and become especially useful in fields entomology palaeontology. Despite conspicuous successes other hymenopteran groups, GM analysis wings fossil Formicidae has been neglected. Here we tested if landmarks defining wing...

Jumping is a rapid locomotory mode widespread in terrestrial organisms. However, it rare specialization ants. Forward jumping has been reported within four distantly related ant genera: Gigantiops, Harpegnathos, Myrmecia, and Odontomachus. The temporal engagement of legs/body parts during jump, however, varies across these genera. It unknown what morphological adaptations underlie such behaviors whether ants solely driven directly by muscle contraction or additionally relies on elastic...

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 Hymenoptera. This become a widely mentioned idea literature, albeit with conflicting reports, not been tested broad comparative analysis. Here we combined existing genomic new neuroanatomical data, including from an approximately 100 Myr old fossil ant,...

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

Abstract Animals’ sensory systems enable them to navigate and interact with their environments. Adaptive specializations of these can generate novel structures or organs that support highly unique niche adaptations. We report the discovery a organ in group praying mantises (Insecta, Mantodea, Nanomantoidea), which have an unusual “leaf-planking” ecomorphic life strategy, laying against undersides broadleaf vegetation. Histology, scanning electron microscopy, x-ray computed tomography all...

The tail movement is critical for maintaining balance during locomotion in many animal species, yet its underlying neuro-muscular control remains poorly understood. In this study we investigated what are the neuronal substrates responsible mice. Using high-resolution microCT scans and retrograde labeling, lay out organization of identified distinct pools motoneurons spinal cord that innervate proximal distal muscles. We further show vestibular nucleus (SpVN) brainstem sends direct...

Abstract Background Explanations for the ecological dominance of ants generally focus on benefits division labour and cooperation during foraging. However, principal innovation relative to their wasp ancestors was evolution a new phenotype: wingless worker caste optimized ground labour. Ant workers are famous ability lift carry heavy loads, but we know surprisingly little about morphological basis strength. Here examine consequences universal loss flight in ant skeletomuscular adaptations...

Abstract Background Explanations for the ecological dominance of ants generally focus on benefits division labour and cooperation during foraging. However, principal innovation relative to their wasp ancestors was evolution a new phenotype: wingless worker caste optimized ground labour. Ant workers are famous ability lift carry heavy loads, but we know surprisingly little about morphological basis strength. Here examine consequences universal loss flight in ant skeletomuscular adaptations...

ABSTRACT Jumping is a rapid locomotory mode widespread in terrestrial organisms. However, it rare specialization ants. Forward jumping has been reported within four distantly related ant genera: Gigantiops , Harpegnathos Myrmecia and Odontomachus . The temporal engagement of legs/body parts during jump, however, varies across these genera. It unknown what morphological adaptations underlie such behaviors, whether ants solely driven directly by muscle contraction or additionally relies on...