RESUMO
X-ray micro-CT has been used to study the tracheal system of Pre and Post hibernation Queen wasps (Vespula vulgaris) and their workers. We have compared our findings in wasps with Snodgrass's description of the tracheal system of the honeybee as characterised by anatomical dissection. Our images, whilst broadly similar, identify the tracheal system as being considerably more complex than previously suggested. One of the 30 wasps imaged had a markedly different, previously undescribed tracheal system. Since completing this study, a large micro-CT study from the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) has been published. This used different software (Slicer) and analysed 16bit digital data. We have compared our methods with that described in the AMNH publication, adopted their suggested nomenclature and have made recommendations for future studies.
RESUMO
The Common Wasp, Vespula vulgaris (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), has an annual nest cycle with new colonies initiated by over-wintered queens. Survival of adult queen wasps through winter dormancy is enabled through the deposition of substantial quantities of triglycerides in fat bodies. Worker (and male) wasps lack these fat reserves. By comparing micro-CT scans of workers, pre-hibernation queens and post-hibernation queens, we demonstrate that it is possible to semi-quantitatively measure fat reserves using arbitrary X-ray attenuation ranges. Venom in the venom gland of the queen wasps, has a significantly lower X-ray attenuation value than the triglyceride-rich fat bodies. This may be due to its content of low molecular weight volatile pheromones in addition to its other known constituents. We also demonstrate the utility of micro-CT for visualising a range of physiological and anatomical features of insects. This non-destructive method for measuring fat reserves can be used on appropriately preserved or freshly collected insect specimens.