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The spermathecae of Heteroptera exhibit great morphological variety. The characteristics of spermathecal morphology may contribute greatly toward the taxonomy and reproductive physiology of these insects. This study describes the spermathecal morphology of the agricultural pest, Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas). The spermatheca of L. zonatus is distinguishable into three parts--the reservoir (distal portion), muscular duct (middle region), and enlarged duct (proximal end). The spherical reservoir has a cuticle-lined lumen, followed by a layer of flattened cells, below which lies another layer of cells with secretory characteristics. The muscular duct is characterized by a flange where the insertion of the muscle fibers is seen. The proximal duct is enlarged with a compartmentalized lumen. The morphological features of the spermatheca of L. zonatus differ from those described for other Heteroptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]