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Fine structure of the spermatophore and spermatozoa in inseminated females of Pergamasus mites (Acari: Gamasida: Pergamasidae)
Author(s) -
Alberti Gerd,
Gegner Andreas,
Witaliñski Wojciech
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of morphology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1097-4687
pISSN - 0362-2525
DOI - 10.1002/1097-4687(200007)245:1<1::aid-jmor1>3.0.co;2-a
Subject(s) - spermatophore , biology , anatomy , acari , sperm , ovary , zoology , botany , endocrinology
Abstract This study describes the spermatophore of Pergamasus mites after transfer into the female endogynial sac and modifications of the structure of the female‐penetrating spermatozoa. The spermatophore is saccular and contains largely unmodified spermatozoa and variously structured secretions. The spermatozoa that leave the spermatophore reach the inner (proximal) end of the vaginal duct where they presumably escape from the genital tract to continue their route through the hemocoel into the ovarian tissue where fertilization occurs. During this transit, the structure of such spermatozoa changes considerably, in particular when in contact with the ovary. These alterations include modifications of the cell periphery and of certain inclusion bodies. Furthermore, the spermatozoa form protrusions that fit into corresponding invaginations of the somatic tissue of the ovary. J. Morphol. 245:1–18, 2000 © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.