AI Article Synopsis
- The study explores the relationship between the structure of male genitalia and the shape of ejaculates in certain beetle species, providing insights into their function and evolution.
- Researchers analyzed 15 species of Pterostichini and two species of Platynini, categorizing their spermatophores into three types based on size and structural characteristics.
- Findings indicate that species with a notably bent endophallus consistently produced a plug-like spermatophore, suggesting that this unique shape plays a critical role in creating the structure of the sperm packet.
Article Abstract
A morphological association between genitalia and ejaculates could provide insight into the function and evolution of genitalia. In this study, the morphologies of the ejaculates and male genitalia of 15 species of Pterostichini and two species of Platynini (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are described. All the species examined formed a spermatophore, the morphology of which could be classified into three types based on its relative volume in the female vaginal cavity and the presence or absence of a pluglike conformation. Male genital morphology could be divided into two types by the direction of the endophallus and gonopore. Species with a strongly bent endophallus invariably formed a pluglike spermatophore. The results suggest that the peculiar shape of endophallus found in some species of Pterostichini may function in forming the pluglike structure of the spermatophore.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.2108/zsj.23.587 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!