Morphological measurements of the ant stinging apparatus associated with: Evolutionary simplification and functional shifts of the ant stinger

Morphological evolution reflects a balance between the emergence of novel traits and the reduction or loss of existing traits, and both of these processes shape the diversity of life. Trait simplification, which involves the reduction or loss of structures, is a common phenomenon that provides adaptive advantages in novel ecological contexts. In this study, we examined the evolutionary dynamics and morphological outcomes of the reduction and simplification of the stinging apparatus in ants to elucidate the effect of these changes on broader evolutionary trajectories. Using a phylogenetically informed sampling of 98 ant genera, we explored how stinger morphology evolved in conjunction with behavioral and ecological changes, employing linear morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods. Our results revealed that transitions from piercing to nonpiercing stingers were substantially associated with dietary diversification and shifts in foraging strategies, thus reflecting the evolution..., , # Morphological measurements of the ant stinging apparatus associated with: Evolutionary simplification and functional shifts of the ant stinger

Dataset DOI: [10.5061/dryad.kkwh70shf](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.kkwh70shf)

## Description of the data and file structure

This dataset (stinger_measurements.txt) contains measurements of individual muscle areas and linear traits of the ant stinging apparatus, recorded from one side of each specimen using 3D Slicer. All linear and cross-sectional measurements were obtained directly from 3D volume renderings. The dataset includes muscle cross-sectional areas, lengths of stinger components, and head width (HW) as a proxy for body size.

**Variables:**

* t8domm – Tergo-tergalis orthomedialis of segment VIII;
* t8dpmm – Tergo-tergalis paramedialis of segment VIII;
* t8dolm – Tergo-tergalis ortholateralis of segment VIII;
* t8dcm – Tergo-coxalis (solus);
* t8ccim – Coxo-coxalis interior;
* t9domm – Tergo-tergalis orthomedialis of segment IX;
...,