Morphology and function of male genitalia (spermatophores) in Euscorpius italicus (Euscorpiidae, Scorpiones): complex spermatophore structures enable safe sperm transfer.

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Serval ID
serval:BIB_C6251A9AB39E
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Title
Morphology and function of male genitalia (spermatophores) in Euscorpius italicus (Euscorpiidae, Scorpiones): complex spermatophore structures enable safe sperm transfer.
Journal
Journal of Morphology
Author(s)
Jacob A., Gantenbein I., Braunwalder M.E., Nentwig W., Kropf C.
ISSN
0362-2525
Publication state
Published
Issued date
2004
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
260
Number
1
Pages
72-84
Language
english
Abstract
The structure and function of the spermatophore of Euscorpius italicus are analyzed. We show how the spermatophore gets shaped from two hemispermatophores and for the first time the sperm transfer mechanism is shown in detail, illustrating function and importance of all complex lobe structures of an euscorpiid spermatophore. A detailed description of the interaction of spermatophore and female genitalia is given. The capsular region of the spermatophore bears different lobes: The distal and basal lobes hook into two cavities on the inner side of the female's genital operculum. A so-called "crown-like structure" hooks into a membranous area in the genital atrium. During sperm transfer, these crown-like structures move backwards, in this way widening the female's genital opening. The sperm duct of the spermatophore is coated with numerous spicules on its outer side, which could serve as a sealing mechanism and/or may stimulate the female. Furthermore, we conclude that "safeguarding of sperm transfer" is one driving force for evolution of male genital complexity in scorpions, but also sexual selection by cryptic female choice could partly play a role.
Keywords
Animals, Behavior, Animal/physiology, Copulation/physiology, Female, Genitalia, Female/physiology, Genitalia, Female/ultrastructure, Genitalia, Male/physiology, Genitalia, Male/ultrastructure, Male, Microscopy, Electron, Scanning, Scorpions/cytology, Scorpions/physiology, Spermatozoa/physiology, Spermatozoa/ultrastructure
Pubmed
Web of science
Create date
07/03/2008 9:22
Last modification date
20/08/2019 16:41
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