Ultrastructural changes in sperm ofEyprepocnemis plorans(Charpentier) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) during storage of gametes in female genital tract

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Abstract
We studied the sperm changes occurring during storage in the female genital tract of Eyprepocnemis plorans (Orthoptera: Acrididae). In this species the spermatheca consists of a long duct with two terminal diverticula: a preapical one with a U-bend and a straight apical one. After copulation the spermatozoa reach the diverticula where they undergo a peculiar uncoating process which leads to the complete re moval of the glycocalyx. This prepares the spermatozoa to interact with the female gametes. A different role is performed by the two diverticula in sperm storage. In the preapical one most sperm are stored until fertilization of the egg; in the apical diverticulum a limited number of spermatozoa are stored but most are progressively dismantled. These modifications may reduce any excess of spermatozoa or operate a mechanism of selection, aiming to favour sperm from the last mating.