Ants in 3D: project begins to image every known species




The project has revealed the Australian jumping ant in fine detail for the first time


Scientists are embarking on a mission to capture a 3D image of every ant species known to science.

The US team is visiting museums around the world to photograph all of the ant specimens in their collections.

They are using a technique that, for the first time, allows microscopic anatomical detail of the insects' bodies to be photographed.

The aim is to make an online catalogue called Antweb, providing a unique tool for scientists who study the insects.

BBC Nature - Ants in 3D: project begins to image every known species