Data from: X-ray microtomography for ant taxonomy: an exploration and case study with two new Terataner (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) species from Madagascar

We explore the potential of x-ray micro computed tomography (μCT) for the
field of ant taxonomy by using it to enhance the descriptions of two
remarkable new species of the ant genus Terataner: T. balrog sp. n. and T.
nymeria sp. n.. We provide an illustrated worker-based species
identification key for all species found on Madagascar, as well as
detailed taxonomic descriptions, which include diagnoses, discussions,
measurements, natural history data, high-quality montage images and
distribution maps for both new species. In addition to conventional
morphological examination, we have used virtual reconstructions based on
volumetric μCT scanning data for the species descriptions. We also include
3D PDFs, still images of virtual reconstructions, and 3D rotation videos
for both holotype workers and one paratype queen. The complete μCT
datasets have been made available online (Dryad, https://datadryad.org)
and represent the first cybertypes in ants (and insects). We discuss the
potential of μCT scanning and critically assess the usefulness of
cybertypes for ant taxonomy.