PTA contrast enhancement and specimen preparation for micro-CT scanning of spiders and other small arthropods v1

Over the past decade, Micro-CT scanning has gained traction as one of the foremost imaging methods for studying arthropod morphology and internal anatomy. This method combines versatility, high data output, and relatively little impact on specimens, making it ideal for studying freshly collected specimens as well as material from natural history collections. In addition to the capabilities of the scanners, the selection of a staining method has a major impact on the quality of the data produced. This protocol is a modification of a PTA staining method published in 2022 (see references). Here, I further simplify the method by removing unnecessary steps, such as dehydration through an ethanol series and the use of rotators and vacuum chambers.