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Abstract

Worker polymorphism in ants has long been a concern of myrmecologists, and given the evolutionary significance of worker size variation, quantification has become a major concern.  Due to allometric relationships among boby parts, most studies focus upon worker head dimensions, and repeatable measurements are major sources of experimental error. We present a simple method for obtaining repeatable measurements and for storing measured head capsules, based upon decapitation and flush mounting on microscopic slides, which are used for measurements with microscope ocular micrometers. Using student labor, we have reduced repeated measurement error in 50%.