Form and function of the spermatophore in Culicoides melleus (Coq.) (Dipt., Ceratopogonidae)
- 1 February 1971
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in Bulletin of Entomological Research
- Vol. 60 (3) , 427-430
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0007485300040347
Abstract
Sperm-transfer in Culicoides melleus (Coq.) is achieved by means of an intermediary spermatophore. The form of the spermatophore, only the second to be observed in a species of Culicoides, is described and illustrated. Though generally similar to others reported in Diptera, the spermatophore of C. melleus is distinguished by the presence of a long neck attached to the main capsule. Formation of the spermatophore occurs after sexual union has been achieved, and throughout mating the capsule remains held in the male apparatus. The distinguishing functional feature is that the entire length of the neck lies within the common duct of the spermathecae. The presence of an appendage of the spermatophore inside the spermathecal duct is a hitherto unknown phenomenon in Nematocera.Keywords
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