The significance of feeding for reproduction in a male Metastriata tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae)

In Haemaphysalis longicornis , secretions of the male accessory genital glands were regenerated by re‐feeding for 3 or 4 days, although the secretions were almost completely released during the first copulation. It was also shown that spermatogenesis continued during re‐feeding, since prospermia (elongated spermatids) were deposited in the seminal vesicle. A potent male seeks a receptive female on the host for copulation. The movement of males to different attachment sites occurred between the third and fourth day of re‐feeding, and completely re‐fed males (for 4 days) were able to copulate successfully. Spermatogenic cells, ranging from spermatogonia at the anterior end to prospermia at the posterior end, were found in fed males. Degeneration of spermatocytes at the great growth phase and developing spermatids prior to final development of prospermia were seen in virgin males without re‐feeding after the first meal. Fully elongated spermatids (prospermia) appeared morphologically normal up to 10 days after the first feeding. Degeneration of spermatocytes and developing spermatids occurred from the second day and was almost complete by the fourth day. The degenerating cells shrank, became electron‐dense, and finally died. A reduction in secretions of the four lobes of the accessory glands occurred during the 10 days after feeding.