Cuticle Structure Variation in Pogonomyrmex
Disciplines
Biology | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Entomology | Evolution
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The exoskeleton is a unique biological innovation that allowed insects to radiate and dominate the globe. Exoskeletons provide numerous functions such as desiccation and abrasion resistance, defense against predators, and internal structures to attach musculature. The surface of ant exoskeletons is unique as they display a huge diversity of textures and patterns. The function of this sculpturing is unknown, however recently, efforts have been undertaken to group textures based on their proposed function. In this study, we examine the genus Pogonomyrmex, whose cuticle structure is a consistent pattern. We measure the average ridge width of each species within the Pogonomyrmex genus to explore whether the width is consistent throughout the species. The resulting widths may help inform what the purpose of the striation is and support consistency for cuticle structure within an ant genus.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM - Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Clint Penick
Cuticle Structure Variation in Pogonomyrmex
The exoskeleton is a unique biological innovation that allowed insects to radiate and dominate the globe. Exoskeletons provide numerous functions such as desiccation and abrasion resistance, defense against predators, and internal structures to attach musculature. The surface of ant exoskeletons is unique as they display a huge diversity of textures and patterns. The function of this sculpturing is unknown, however recently, efforts have been undertaken to group textures based on their proposed function. In this study, we examine the genus Pogonomyrmex, whose cuticle structure is a consistent pattern. We measure the average ridge width of each species within the Pogonomyrmex genus to explore whether the width is consistent throughout the species. The resulting widths may help inform what the purpose of the striation is and support consistency for cuticle structure within an ant genus.