X-Ray Imaging in Entomology

X-ray imaging provides fascinating insights into insect morphology, physiology, behavior, and evolution. In recent years, microcomputed tomography, in particular, has emerged as an indispensable tool for studying insects in three dimensions, ushering in a new digital era for insect morphological research. Thanks to the increasing accessibility of X-ray imaging systems along with innovations such as dose-efficient and high-throughput imaging, the technique is thriving. This review surveys the current landscape of X-ray imaging in entomology, outlining key techniques and analysis workflows and highlighting the diverse ways in which X-ray imaging is used to address fundamental and applied questions in insect science. Furthermore, it discusses emerging trends, such as AI-driven analysis and large-scale digitization, as well as the challenges and opportunities these developments pose for the future of integrative entomology.