Tsetse fly male genital segments

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Abstract
The male genital segments of Glossina morsitans morsitans are described. When the posterior segments are flexed forwards under the abdomen, the distal margins of the superior claspers clip into the transverse grooves of the inferior claspers and the aedeagus is protected by the arthrodial membrane between the superior claspers. Other species of the G. morsitans group flex the genital segments in a similar way, but in the G. palpalis group the simple inferior claspers hold both the aedeagus and the superior claspers. In most species of the G. fusca group, the inferior claspers are used mainly for holding the aedeagus. The relationship between the various types of male genital segments in the commoner species is discussed and the type found in G. fuscipes seems to be the least specialized. The form of the male genital segments in G. brevipalpis shows different evolutionary trends than other species of the G. fusca group, which seems polyphyletic. The relationship between the various types of male genitalia in the commoner species closely resembles those of the labella. The significance of the differences and similarities is discussed.