Micro-computed tomography of pupal metamorphosis in the solitary bee Megachile rotundata

• Published in: Arthropod structure & development Vol. 47; no. 5; pp. 521 - 528
• Main Authors: Helm, Bryan R., Payne, Scott, Rinehart, Joseph P., Yocum, George D., Bowsher, Julia H., Greenlee, Kendra J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2018
• Subjects: Development; Megachile rotundata; Metamorphosis; Micro-computed tomography; Development; Micro-computed tomography; Megachile rotundata; Metamorphosis
• ISSN: 1467-8039; 1873-5495
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2018.05.001

Insect metamorphosis involves a complex change in form and function. In this study, we examined the development of the solitary bee, Megachile rotundata, using micro-computed tomography (μCT) and volume analysis. We describe volumetric changes of brain, tracheae, flight muscles, gut, and fat bodies in prepupal, pupal, and adult M. rotundata. We observed that individual organ systems have distinct patterns of developmental progression, which vary in their timing and duration. This has important implications for commercial management of this agriculturally relevant pollinator. •Megachile rotundata is an emerging model system for the study of metamorphosis.•We conducted micro-CT in different developmental stages throughout metamorphosis.•We examined changes in brain, flight muscle, tracheae, gut, and fat bodies.•Each structure showed its own unique developmental progression.•This has important implications for commercial management of this pollinator.