Cuticular microstructure of Australian ant mandibles confirms common appendage construction

Exoskeletons characterise Arthropoda and have allowed the morphological and taxonomic diversity of the phylum. Exoskeletal sclerotisation occurs in genetically designated regions, and mandibles represent one such area of high sclerotisation. Mandible morphology reflects dietary preferences and niche partitioning and has therefore been well documented. However, mandibular cuticular microstructure has been under‐documented. Here we use scanning...