3-D visualisation, printing, and volume determination of the tracheal respiratory system in the adult desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria

Here, we describe a single micro-CT scan with a spatial resolution of 10 lm of a 10-day-old adult male Schistocerca gregaria (Forskål) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and we compare our tracheal volume (VT) determination with published work on the subject. We also illustrate the feasibility of performing non-invasive 'virtual dissection' on insects after performing micro-CT. These post-processing steps can be performed using free downloadable 3-D software. Finally, the values of producing stereo-lithography (STL) files that can be viewed or used to print out 3-Dmodels as teaching aids are discussed.