Unveiling the diversity of iron maiden ants: morphological insights from two new Cretaceous species

IF 3 2区 生物学 Q1 ZOOLOGY
Yuhui Zhuang, Corentin Jouault, Vincent Perrichot, Bo Wang, Yu Liu, Qingqing Zhang
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The genus Zigrasimecia, also known as the iron maiden ant, represents a peculiar lineage spanning most of the Cretaceous period and characterized by armed mouthparts. Despite recent publications that have contributed to our understanding of the past diversity within this genus, its true extent remains underestimated and its morphological variations poorly comprehended. In this study, we introduce two new species of iron maiden ant, Zigrasimecia bellator sp. nov. and Zigrasimecia sinusoidal sp. nov. Using micro-computed tomography scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction techniques, we highlight their distinctive morphological features, particularly certain setae and microstructures of the body. Additionally, we present an updated identification key tailored for Zigrasimecia workers. Through comparative morphology, we propose hypotheses regarding the predatory behaviour of iron maiden ants. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the morphological diversity within this fascinating ant genus.
揭示铁娘子蚁的多样性:两个白垩纪新物种的形态学见解
Zigrasimecia属,也被称为铁娘子蚁,代表了一个跨越白垩纪大部分时期的特殊谱系,其特征是武装口器。尽管最近的出版物有助于我们了解该属过去的多样性,但其真实范围仍被低估,其形态变化也未得到充分理解。本文介绍了两种新的铁母蚁:Zigrasimecia bellator sp. 11和Zigrasimecia sinusoidal sp. 11。利用显微计算机断层扫描和三维重建技术,我们突出了它们独特的形态特征,特别是某些刚毛和身体的微观结构。此外,我们提出了一个更新的识别密钥,为Zigrasimecia工人量身定制。通过比较形态学,我们提出了关于铁娘子蚂蚁捕食行为的假设。我们的发现有助于更深入地了解这个迷人的蚂蚁属的形态多样性。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
CiteScore
6.50
自引率
10.70%
发文量
116
审稿时长
6-12 weeks
期刊介绍: The Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society publishes papers on systematic and evolutionary zoology and comparative, functional and other studies where relevant to these areas. Studies of extinct as well as living animals are included. Reviews are also published; these may be invited by the Editorial Board, but uninvited reviews may also be considered. The Zoological Journal also has a wide circulation amongst zoologists and although narrowly specialized papers are not excluded, potential authors should bear that readership in mind.
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