3-D visualisation, printing, and volume determination of the tracheal respiratory system in the adult desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria

摘要

Here, we describe a single micro-CT scan with a spatial resolution of 10m of a 10-day-old adult male Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and we compare our tracheal volume (VT) determination with published work on the subject. We also illustrate the feasibility of performing non-invasive virtual dissection' on insects after performing micro-CT. These post-processing steps can be performed using free downloadable 3-D software. Finally, the values of producing stereo-lithography (STL) files that can be viewed or used to print out 3-D models as teaching aids are discussed