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Title: Micro-CT study of the anatomy of the Leafhopper Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)

Author
item ALBA-TERCEDOR, J - Universidad De Granada
item Hunter, Wayne

Submitted to: Video
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/28/2013
Publication Date: 7/29/2013
Citation: Alba-Tercedor, J., Hunter, W.B. 2013. Micro-CT study of the anatomy of the Leafhopper Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Video. youtube.com/watch?v=yXGM7f5FeJ4.

Interpretive Summary: A digital anatomy library was produced for the anatomy of the glassy-winged sharpshooter adult using a high resolution Bruker Skyscan 1172 micro tomography system, micro-CT at the Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Spain. High resolution scanning combined with computer software enabled rotation and ‘digital sectioning’ of specimens while being examined in real time provides a new way to explore specimen anatomy which is comparable to scanning electron microscopy. The video was posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXGM7f5FeJ4 to facilitate broader public and research community interactions.

Technical Abstract: A Digital Anatomy Library, DAL, was produced to the anatomy of the glassy-winged sharpshooter adult, Homalodisca vitripennis (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), vector of bacteria which cause Pierce’s disease of grapevines. The insect anatomy was elucidated using a high resolution Bruker Skyscan 1172 micro tomography system, micro-CT (www.Skyscan.be) at the Department of Zoology, University of Granada, Spain. Live leafhoppers were prepared by overnight fixation in 4% glutaraldehyde with 2.5% paraformaldehyde made with sodium cacodolate buffer pH 6.5. The samples were then rinsed three times, at 10 min each, with 30% ethanol, and dehydrated in an ethanol series, 30 min each step, 50%,70,80,90,95, three times at 100%. Samples were then chemically dried by placing in 2 mL of 100% Hexamethyldisilazane (HDMDS) for 2 hours and then drying overnight in drying oven at 35C. High resolution scanning combined with computer software enabled rotation and ‘digital sectioning’ of specimens by the observer and provides an innovative, interactive system to explore specimen anatomy which is comparable to scanning electron microscopy, SEM. The video was posted to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXGM7f5FeJ4 to facilitate broader public education and research community access and interactions.