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Type: Article
Published: 2015-05-27
Page range: 335–368
Abstract views: 62
PDF downloaded: 2

The external and internal structures of Amphizoa davidi Lucas (Coleoptera, Amphizoidae), using X-ray phase contrast microtomography

Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chao Yang, 100101 Beijing, P. R. China
Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chao Yang, 100101 Beijing, P. R. China
Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chao Yang, 100101 Beijing, P. R. China
Beijing Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
Key Laboratory of the Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chao Yang, 100101 Beijing, P. R. China
external and internal structures Coleoptera Amphizoidae Amphizoa davidi three dimensions (3D) X-ray tomography

Abstract

The Chinese endemic water beetle Amphizoa davidi Lucas, is a rare and endangered species belonging to the monotypic family Amphizoidae (Coleoptera: Adephaga). A study of the external and internal structures of A. davidi is here presented, by using X-ray phase contrast tomography and light microscopy. Morphological details and three dimensional (3D) structures of this species are provided: skeletons, muscles, reproductive organs of male and female, nervous system, alimentary canal and pygidial gland. The reproductive organs of females are compared in two different developmental phases (ages): before copulation without mature ovaries and after copulation with mature ovaries. Such detailed 3D tomographic study based on micro-CT technology may promote our understanding of the detailed morphology in Amphizoidae and Coleoptera in general.