A micro-CT-based standard brain atlas of the bumblebee

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Insect Biology
• Comparative Anatomy

Background:

• Bumblebees are increasingly used as model organisms in biological research, especially for studying learning and visual performance.
• Understanding bumblebee neurobiology requires detailed brain anatomy knowledge and a standardized 3D brain atlas for comparative studies.
• Existing 3D insect brain atlases are lacking for bumblebees, hindering comparative neuroscience research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop the first 3D standard brain atlas for the buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris).
• To utilize micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) for insect brain reconstruction, offering advantages over traditional methods.
• To provide a foundational tool for future bumblebee neuroscience research.

Main Methods:

• Reconstruction of the Bombus terrestris brain atlas using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans.
• Acquisition of raw data from ten individual worker bees.
• Segmentation and 3D modeling of 30 distinct neuropils, including intact lamina.

Main Results:

• Successful generation of the first micro-CT-based 3D brain atlas for Bombus terrestris.
• Demonstration of micro-CT's advantages: consistent resolution and preserved 3D structure.
• Complete segmentation of neuropils, including the delicate lamina, without dissection-induced damage.

Conclusions:

• The developed Bombus terrestris brain atlas serves as a vital resource for advancing bumblebee neuroscience.
• Micro-CT is a powerful technique for insect neuroanatomy, preserving delicate structures for detailed analysis.
• This atlas facilitates comparative studies of learning and visual performance in bumblebees.