ISSN:
1572-9702
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Abstract The female genital tract ofVarroa jacobsoni is composed of a sperm-access system comprising paired solenostomes located between coxa III and IV, paired tubules, paired rami, an unpaired sperm duct, and an unpaired spermatheca. Another part of the female genital system is confined to egg development and oviposition. It is composed of an ovary (s.str.), in which oocytes mature, and a lyrate organ functioning as a nutrimentary structure. Both compartments, regarded as parts of the gonad, are connected by a region named the camera spermatis. This part is also in continuity with the oviduct I, which is provided with a muscular layer and numerous nerve endings. The following cuticle-lined oviduct II leads to the genital orifice through which the eggs are deposited. The fine structure of all these parts is described. Attention is drawn especially to the peculiar spermatheca which contains the “inner cells” which are thought to connect by way of free cells with a specialized region of the camera spermatis, thus establishing a “cellular bridge” through which penetration of capacitated spermatozoa into the ovary s.str. may occur. Lyrate organ and oocytes are connected via intercellular bridges/nutritive cords and are thus comparable to the telotrophic ovarioles of certain insects. The male genital system, composed of unpaired testis, paired vasa deferentia, unpaired accessory gland and ductus ejaculatorius, is described ultrastructurally. Spermiogenesis occurs in cysts and spermatozoa belong to the “ribbon type”. The vasa deferentia are provided with a muscular layer. For the first time receptors are detected in the proximal part or the ductus ejaculatorius. The accessory gland produces a proteinaceous secretion. Spermatozoa were observed in the female rami and spermatheca. Only in the latter were elongated, capacitated spermatozoa seen.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01193355
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