In:
PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science (PLoS), Vol. 16, No. 8 ( 2021-8-18), p. e0254974-
Abstract:
Studies of female genital structures have generally lagged behind comparable studies of male genitalia, in part because of an assumption of a lower level of variability, but also because internal genitalia are much more difficult to study. Using multiple microscopy techniques, including video stereomicroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, low-temperature scanning electron microscopy (LT-SEM), and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) we examined whether the complex sperm transfer structures in males of Megalolaelaps colossus (Acari: Mesostigmata) are matched by similarly complex internal structures in the female. While both LT-SEM and CLSM are well suited for obtaining high-quality surface images, CLSM also proved to be a valuable technique for observing internal anatomical structures. The long and coiled sperm transfer organ on the chelicera of the males (spermatodactyl) largely matches an equally complex, but internal, spiral structure in the females in shape, size, and direction. This result strongly suggests some form of genital coevolution. A hypothesis of sexual conflict appears to provide the best fit for all available data (morphology and life history).
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1932-6203
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.g001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.g002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.g003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.g004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.g005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.g006
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.g007
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.g008
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.s001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.s002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.s003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.s004
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.s005
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.s006
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.s007
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.s008
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.s009
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.s010
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.s011
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.s012
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.r001
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.r002
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.r003
DOI:
10.1371/journal.pone.0254974.r004
Language:
English
Publisher:
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2267670-3
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