New Millipede Species Is an 'Avatar'

This blue 'avatar' is a new species of millipede.

Scientists have used high resolution technology for the first time to describe a new millipede species, highlighting features such as genitals in remarkable detail.

The millipede, dubbed Ommatoiulus avatar, was found in an Andalusion pine forest in southern Spain.

Researchers first used iodine to stain different organs in the species and then scanned it using microCT (high-resolution x-ray microtomography)

Data produced by the scans, collectively called a 'cybertype', was then rendered as a 3D image using transparency and colour to reveal different parts of the creature.

The male genitals (gonopods), which are key in the identification of millipedes are seen in orange at the base of the image.

The eyes are seen in yellow at the top of the image and are not, as you might think, where the antennae attach.

Taxonomy can often be a painstaking business. If someone wants to study the original type specimen -- or holotype -- used to identify a species, they may have to travel far to find it, or request a museum send the specimen to them.

And any study, especially dissection, may damage the precious and often fragile original specimen.

But, says biologist Dr Brian Metscher of the University of Vienna, who helped create the new images, microCT scans can help get around this problem.

"If we make images like this, one does not have to dissect the specimen and it can remain intact, happy and safe in the museum."

Instead of actual dissection, researchers can rotate the digital images, change the focus of them, or delete unwanted sections, to get a clear picture of what they need to, says Metscher.

Metscher and colleagues have documented procedures on how to make cybertypes and also share them around the world.

While the holotype specimens are kept in museums in Vienna and Copenhagen, all 3D images and data have been placed on the open access online repository called Dryad.

"We hope that this work will be an example for how to make, use, and share virtual specimens for taxonomy and other purposes, including teaching," says Metscher.

Read more at Discovery News