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Fine structure and functional morphology of the mouthparts of a male Veigaia sp. (Gamasida: Veigaiidae) with remarks on the spermatodactyl and related sensory structures
Author(s) -
Di Palma Antonella,
Alberti Gerd,
Nuzzaci Giorgio,
Krantz Gerald W.
Publication year - 2006
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/jmor.10393
Subject(s) - arthropod mouthparts , biology , anatomy , appendage , ultrastructure , morphology (biology) , zoology
Mites of the genus Veigaia are common gamasid inhabitants of forest litter. They engage in the peculiar reproductive strategy of podospermy which, along with other morphological and behavioral adaptations, involves modification of the chelicerae of the relatively rare males into gonopods. Each movable digit is provided with an appendage (spermatodactyl) that is involved in sperm transfer. We describe the gross anatomy, fine structure, and functional morphology of the mouthparts of a male Veigaia species and give ultrastructural details for the corniculi, laciniae, preoral cavity, labrum, pharynx, and movable and fixed digits. The fine structure of the spermatodactyl is illustrated here for the first time in detail. A semischematic reconstruction of the gnathosoma and spermatodactyl is provided. The spermatodactyl is totally fused with the movable digit and a sperm transfer duct runs along its entire length. This duct starts at the adaxial base of the movable digit, continues inside the digit into the tube of the spermatodactyl, and finally opens at the distal abaxial surface of the spermatodactyl. Several sensory structures associated with the spermatodactyl probably provide the male with mechanical and chemical clues. J. Morphol. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.