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Reproduction is known to be energetically and physiologically costly. Consequently, individuals in good condition are assumed to invest substantial resources in reproduction, while those in poor condition are unable to do so. This is particularly relevant in insects, where reproduction is a nutrient-limited process for males and females and is largely related to their energy reserves. Lepidopteran phytophagous insects are an ideal model to evaluate how larval nutrition affects adult reproductive strategies, because larval host plant is considered a key determinant of the adult phenotype and the performance of both males and females. We studied a capital breeder moth species, the European grapevine moth (Lobesia botrana), to investigate how male energy reserves, body condition and reproductive traits might influence female reproductive output, using different host plants as a means of obtaining different male quality. We found that the host cultivar for the larvae strongly influenced the energy reserves of male adult moths, affecting their body condition and ultimately their reproductive potential through the content of spermatophores they transfer to females at mating. Moreover, males having different levels of energy reserves may alter the allocation of energy between their body condition and spermatophore size and composition, supporting the idea that organisms can buffer the effect of nutritional constraints by changing allocation to different fitness-related traits. Females also seem to be able to adjust latency to oviposition accordingly. These results have important implications for understanding the population dynamics of this moth species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In species where females compete for mates, the male often provides the female with resources in addition to gametes. A recently suggested definition of sexual selection proposed that if females only benefit from additional resources that come with each mating and not additional gametes, female intrasexual competition for mating opportunities would result in natural selection rather than sexual selection. The nuptial gift-giving bushcricket Kawanaphila nartee has dynamic sex roles and has been a textbook example of sexual selection acting on females via mating competition. We investigated whether females of this species gain fitness benefits from nuptial gifts, additional ejaculates or both by controlling the number of matings and whether the female was allowed to consume the nutritious gift (spermatophylax) at mating. We found that egg production per day of life increased with the number of additional matings, both with and without spermatophylax consumption, but consuming the spermatophylax had an additional positive effect on the number of eggs. These effects were particularly strong in females with shorter lifespans. We discuss how the recently suggested definition of sexual selection applies to nuptial-feeding insects and conclude that both natural and sexual selections influence mating competition in K. nartee females.

Essential oils extracted from plant sources along with their biologically active components may have negative effects on insects. Diallyl trisulfide (DAT) is an active component of garlic essential oil, and it exhibits multi-targeted activity against many organisms. Previously we reported that DAT induces male infertility and leads to apyrene and eupyrene sperm dysfunction in Sitotroga cerealella. In this study, we conducted an analysis of testis-specific RNA-Seq data and identified 449 downregulated genes and 60 upregulated genes in the DAT group compared to the control group. The downregulated genes were significantly enriched in the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Furthermore, DAT caused a significant reduction in mRNA expression of proteasome regulatory subunit particles required for ATP-dependent degradation of ubiquitinated proteins as well as decreased the expression profile of proteasome core particles, including β1, β2, and β5. Sperm physiological analysis showed that DAT decreased the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome and formed aggresomes in spermatozoa. Overall, our findings suggest that DAT impairs the testis proteasome, ultimately causing male infertility characterized by oligoasthenoteratospermia due to disruption in sperm proteasome assembly in S. cerealella. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In animals where both males and females have high costs associated with reproduction, it is not rare that both sexes evaluate their potential mate conditions to make the most beneficial choice according to their preferences. Parasite‐mediated selection theories predict that individuals would evaluate the ability of their potential mates to resist parasites and decide whether to accept or reject mating based on that information. These studies of parasite‐mediated sexual selection had been carried out through the traditional sex roles perspectives. Our study species in this article is one with indirect sperm transfer, the pseudoscorpion Lustrochernes argentinus, and we evaluated mating on the health condition (infected or not) of both males and females. Our hypothesis is that the presence of gregarines in potential mates influences mate choice and for that, we analyzed (1) if gregarine‐infected individuals suffer a higher proportion of rejection by their uninfected partners and (2) if spermatophore use success is lower when any of the individuals are infected. We tested this in a behavioral laboratory trial, comparing rejection by the male and the female and spermatophore use in four experimental groups. We found that both males and females suffer a higher probability of rejection when infected with gregarines; the maximum probability of sperm uptake success is when both individuals are healthy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesarmid crab, Muradium tetragonum, considered a key detritus consumer plays a significant role in the nutrient cycling and energy flow in most of the mangrove environments. Morphological and ultrastructural organization of the M. tetragonum male reproductive system are characterized through transmission electron microscopic studies. Adult males (3.2–4.2 cm) with dark violet carapace and white‐tipped cheliped were procured alongside the coastal areas of Tanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. The morphological analysis highlights the male gonads to be bilaterally symmetrical and anterolaterally located inside the cephalothorax. A pair of elongated testes lying attached to the hypodermis of the carapace leads to a long highly coiled vas deferens categorized into three distinct regions (Proximal vas deferens, Middle vas deferens and distal vas deferens) structurally and functionally with Posterior vas deferens receiving sac‐like accessory glands. It gets followed by an ejaculatory duct and ends with the penile papillae at the coxae's base of the fifth peripod. Structural modifications were observed in the ultrastructure of vas deferens envisage (considering) its functional role in storing spermatophores, active absorption and assisting the secretory activity. Spermatophores, witnessed as spherical bodies are bounded by a dense double wall. Aflagellate, immotile and spherical spermatozoa that measuring 3.6 μm in diameter encompasses a complex acrosome cupped by a nucleus. Moreover, perforatorium and the extending nuclear arms with chromatin, as displayed in the experimental organism M. tetragonum, are in synergy with that of certain brachyurans as specified in the study. Hence, the current study assessing the morphology and ultrastructure parameters of the male gonads could be useful in understanding the physiology of sexual maturation, annual cyclic changes, tracing the phylogenetic relationship among species and enhancing the brood‐stock management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical defense of insects is effective for avoiding predation, but may carry a cost in terms of life history traits. If chemical defenses require the resources and/or nutrients necessary for the larva or post-larval stages to survive, grow, and reproduce, there will be a trade-off between chemical defense and other traits, particularly in habitats where larvae are subjected to frequent predator attacks. The larvae of Osmylus hyalinatus McLachlan (Neuroptera: Osmylidae) are semiaquatic, inhabiting the edges of small streams and ponds, where they encounter multiple predators both on land and in water. Larvae of this species spray a hyaline liquid from an anal opening when disturbed. The liquid is stored in the posterior half of the hindgut. Daily stimulation of larvae to exhaust the stored liquid, thereby simulating repeated predator attacks, resulted in smaller adult body size at emergence than the control, but had little effect on the larval/pupal period, cocoon production (for predator avoidance of prepupae and pupae), reproductive potential, or chemical defense of adults in which prothoracic glands release a substance that smells unpleasant to predators. The lack of such effects is explained in part by adults gaining more resources through feeding than the larval stages, as well as nuptial gifts from males to females. The spraying liquids and silk used to spin cocoons are both discharged from an anal opening; therefore, a trade-off between these two materials is plausible and should be examined in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In butterflies and moths, male‐killing endosymbionts are transmitted from infected females via their eggs, and the male progeny then perish. This means that successful transmission of the parasite relies on the successful mating of the host. Paradoxically, at the population level, parasite transmission also reduces the number of adult males present in the final population for infected females to mate with. Here we investigate if successful female mating when males are rare is indeed a likely rate‐limiting step in the transmission of male‐killing Spiroplasma in the African Monarch, Danaus chrysippus. In Lepidoptera, successful pairings are hallmarked by the transfer of a sperm‐containing spermatophore from the male to the female during copulation. Conveniently, this spermatophore remains detectable within the female upon dissection, and thus, spermatophore counts can be used to assess the frequency of successful mating in the field. We used such spermatophore counts to examine if altered sex ratios in the D. chrysippus do indeed affect female mating success. We examined two different field sites in East Africa where males were often rare. Surprisingly, mated females carried an average of 1.5 spermatophores each, regardless of male frequency, and importantly, only 10–20% remained unmated. This suggests that infected females will still be able to mate in the face of either Spiroplasma‐mediated male killing and/or fluctuations in adult sex ratio over the wet–dry season cycle. These observations may begin to explain how the male‐killing mollicute can still be successfully transmitted in a population where males are rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils extracted from plant sources along with their biologically active components may have negative effects on insects. Diallyl trisulfide (DAT) is an active component of garlic essential oil, and it exhibits multi-targeted activity against many organisms. Previously we reported that DAT induces male infertility and leads to apyrene and eupyrene sperm dysfunction in Sitotroga cerealella. In this study, we conducted an analysis of testis-specific RNA-Seq data and identified 449 downregulated genes and 60 upregulated genes in the DAT group compared to the control group. The downregulated genes were significantly enriched in the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Furthermore, DAT caused a significant reduction in mRNA expression of proteasome regulatory subunit particles required for ATP-dependent degradation of ubiquitinated proteins as well as decreased the expression profile of proteasome core particles, including β1, β2, and β5. Sperm physiological analysis showed that DAT decreased the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome and formed aggresomes in spermatozoa. Overall, our findings suggest that DAT impairs the testis proteasome, ultimately causing male infertility characterized by oligoasthenoteratospermia due to disruption in sperm proteasome assembly in S. cerealella.

Developing effective long-term sperm storage strategies to maintain activity requires an understanding of the underlying spermatophore developmental phase in drones. Here we compared the developmental processes and metabolites about seminal vesicles of drones from different parentages (0-24 d)in honeybee colonies, including mated queens, virgin queens, and worker bees. The results showed a similar developmental trend of seminal vesicles in thethree groups of drones on the whole, although there were significant differences in developmental levels, as well as in other indicators. Correlation analysis showed significant positive correlations between seminal vesicle width and sperm viability. The metabolomics of the seminal vesicles in drones from mated queens showed differences of the metabolites in each stage. Particularly, squalene identified among them was validated a protective effect on sperm vitality in vitro experiments. Together the results of these assays support that there were significant differences in the developmental levels of seminal vesicles among the three groups of drones in honeybees, wherein a significant correlation between sperm viability and the developmental levels of seminal vesicles were dissected. The metabolomics analysis and semen storage experiments in vitro display signatures of squalene that may act as an effective protective agent in maintaining sperm viability. Collectively, our findings indicate that spermatophore development in drones provides metabolite support, which contributes to research on the differences of sperm viability among drones in the future.

BackgroundTsetse flies (Diptera, Glossinidae) display unique reproductive biology traits. Females reproduce through adenotrophic viviparity, nourishing the growing larva into their modified uterus until parturition. Males transfer their sperm and seminal fluid, produced by both testes and male accessory glands, in a spermatophore capsule transiently formed within the female reproductive tract upon mating. Both sexes are obligate blood feeders and have evolved tight relationships with endosymbionts, already shown to provide essential nutrients lacking in their diet. However, the partnership between tsetse and its symbionts has so far been investigated, at the molecular, genomic and metabolomics level, only in females, whereas the roles of microbiota in male reproduction are still unexplored.ResultsHere we begin unravelling the impact of microbiota on Glossina m. morsitans (G. morsitans) male reproductive biology by generating transcriptomes from the reproductive tissues of males deprived of their endosymbionts (aposymbiotic) via maternal antibiotic treatment and dietary supplementation. We then compared the transcriptional profiles of genes expressed in the male reproductive tract of normal and these aposymbiotic flies. We showed that microbiota removal impacts several male reproductive genes by depressing the activity of genes in the male accessory glands (MAGs), including sequences encoding seminal fluid proteins, and increasing expression of genes in the testes. In the MAGs, in particular, the expression of genes related to mating, immunity and seminal fluid components' synthesis is reduced. In the testes, the absence of symbionts activates genes involved in the metabolic apparatus at the basis of male reproduction, including sperm production, motility and function.ConclusionsOur findings mirrored the complementary roles male accessory glands and testes play in supporting male reproduction and open new avenues for disentangling the interplay between male insects and endosymbionts. From an applied perspective, unravelling the metabolic and functional relationships between tsetse symbionts and male reproductive physiology will provide fundamental information useful to understanding the biology underlying improved male reproductive success in tsetse. This information is of particular importance in the context of tsetse population control via Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and its impact on trypanosomiasis transmission.

The mating process in Uroactinia sp. (Mesostigmata: Uropodina: Uroactiniidae) is described. Mating is venter to venter with the male on top. Spermatophore production is relatively slow, and both partners cooperate in emptying the spermatophore. Observations on mating behavior are compared with those for other Uropodina. Spermatophore morphology and the process of spermatophore formation appear to be similar to those described in ticks (Ixodida). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bateman gradients, the slope of the regression of reproductive success on mating success, are among the most commonly reported measures of sexual selection. They are particularly insightful in species with reversed sex roles, where females are expected to be under sexual selection. We measured Bateman gradients in replicate experimental populations of the spermatophore gift‐giving bushcricket Kawanaphila nartee (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). In this species, the operational sex ratio (OSR) and thus the sex competing for mates varies depending on the availability of pollen food resources: under pollen‐limited regimens females are more competitive, whereas under pollen‐rich regimens males are more competitive. We maintained populations in enclosures with either limited or supplemented pollen and calculated Bateman gradients for males and females under both conditions. Bateman gradients were significantly positive in males, and the slope was steeper in pollen‐supplemented populations where the OSR was more male‐biased. Bateman gradients for females were shallow and nonsignificant regardless of pollen availability. Our results show that the strength of sexual selection on males can depend on environmental context. The lack of significant gradients among females may reflect experimental limitations on our ability to estimate Bateman gradients in female K nartee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male genitalia exhibit extreme morphological diversity among animals, but its diversification mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In insects, the intromittent membranous part has been barely studied. This study performed phylogenetic comparative analysis to examine the morphological associations between the intromittent membranous part (endophallus) and ejaculate characteristics in two Carabidae taxa with different endophallus diversification patterns (genus Amara and tribe Pterostichini). Endophallus morphology was analyzed using geometric morphometrics, whereby effects of shape and size components can be evaluated separately. In both taxa, no morphological associations were found between spermatophore and endophallus traits, but an association was detected between conjugated sperm length and endophallus shape. Considering the available information regarding functional morphology, the association between conjugated sperm length and endophallus shape may indicate a physical interaction between conjugated sperm and the endophallus through the spermatophore. The similarity of results between the two taxa implies functional equivalence among different endophallus types. Concerning individual sperm, several results were detected, but functional interpretation was difficult. Overall, these results imply that shape and size have different effects on ejaculate morphology, with a larger effect of shape than size. This pattern is consistent with previous results for non-intromittent and intromittent sclerotized parts, and the diversification mechanism of the intromittent membranous part may be similar to those of non-intromittent and intromittent sclerotized parts.

Cybicola armatus (Bassett-Smith, 1898), a host-specific parasitic copepod, massively infects gill filaments of the scombrid fish, Scomberomorus commerson. While the female attaches to the host fish's gills, the relatively small-sized male prefers to attach to the female genital somite in copulatory position. To our knowledge this is the first report on the structural features of male and female reproductive organs of C. armatus , a pseudocycnid parasite, using morphological, histological, histochemical and ultrastructural parameters. In males, the sac-like testis is followed by a highly coiled vas deferens ending with a bulbous spermatophore sac in which the round-shaped spermatozoa are abundantly seen. Histologically, germ cells in the testis are at different maturation stages and region-specific. In females, the ovaries are comprised of germarium, previtellogenic oocytes and follicle cells. However, interestingly, mature vitellogenic oocytes enveloped by follicular cells are seen only in the oviducts, which are ensheathed by longitudinal and circular muscle bands. The spermathecae of the post-copulatory females contain filiform spermatozoa, while in pre-copulatory specimens, the spermathecae appear as thin, flabby structures. The post-copulatory female carries spermatophore sacs at her genital orfice. The developing eggs in the egg sacs did not display synchrony with respect to stages of embryogenesis, as borne out from histological studies. The currently reported study also demonstrates, for the first time, the copulatory events of C. armatus that help us understand the mode of sperm transfer in this fish parasite. The total of information derived from the currently reported study is pertinent not only from the perspective of understanding the reproductive mechanism and adaptive strategies of a potential, but rather unexplored pseudocycnid copepod. Rather, it throws light as well on the necessity and, until now, inadequacy of investigations on parasitic crustaceans that inflict heavy damage to fisheries and contaminate the aquatic ecosystem. Résumé: Cybicola armatus (Bassett-Smith, 1898), un copépode parasite infecte massivement les filaments branchiaux de son hôte spécifique le poisson scombridé Scomberomorus commerson. Alors que la femelle s'attache aux branchies du poisson hôte, le mâle, relativement petit, s'attache préférentiellement au somite génital de la femelle en position de copulation. Cette étude décrit pour la première fois les caractéristiques structurelles des organes reproducteurs mâle et femelle de C. armatus , un parasite pseudocycnidé grâce à des paramètres morphologiques, histologiques, histochimiques et ultrastructuraux. Chez les mâles le testicule en forme de sac s'ouvre dans un vase déférent enroulé se terminant par un sac à spermatophores bulbeux dans lequel de nombreux spermatozoïdes arrondis sont visibles. Histologiquement les cellules germinales dans le testicule sont groupées par différents stades de maturation. Chez les femelles, les ovaires comprennent un germarium, des ovocytes en prévitellogenèse et des cellules folliculaires. Cependant les ovocytes matures en vitellogenèse enveloppés par des cellules folliculaires ne sont visibles que dans les oviductes, qui sont gainés par des muscles longitudinaux et circulaires. La spermathèque des femelles avant la copulation est une structure fine et flasque tandis qu'après la copulation elle contient des spermatozoïdes filiformes. Les femelles après la copulation portent des sacs à spermatophores au niveau de leur orifice génital. Les études histologiques ont montré que les œufs en développement ne montent pas de synchronisation par rapport aux stades d'embryogenèse. Cette étude décrit aussi, pour la première fois, les évènements copulatoires qui permettent de comprendre le mode de transfert du sperme chez ce parasite de poisson. L'ensemble des informations de cette étude permet non seulement de comprendre les mécanismes de la reproduction et les stratégies adaptatives d'un copépode pseudocycnidé peu connu. Mais elle éclaire aussi la nécessité et jusqu'à présent l'insuffisance des recherches sur les crustacés parasites qui causent de lourds dommages aux pêcheries et contaminent l'écosystème aquatique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Male butterflies transfer sperm to the female within a package of secretions named spermatophore. These secretions include nutritious substances (butterfly spermatophores are considered nuptial gifts) and compounds that influence different reproductive processes of females in a hormone-like way. During copulation, the spermatophore is deposited in a complex female bag-like organ known as the bursa copulatrix, where it is processed and digested. Thus, the bursa copulatrix mediates male–female interactions during and after copulation that are crucial to the reproductive success of males and females. We studied Leptophobia aripa, a common butterfly in Central Mexico that, contrary to what has been observed in most butterfly species previously studied, does not digest the spermatophore (i.e., spermatophores are not nutritious nuptial gifts in this species). We present a detailed description of the different elements of the bursa copulatrix and of its interaction with the spermatophore. We provide a functional interpretation of these interactions and propose a novel mechanism for the transfer of the sperm from the spermatophore to its final storage organ (another bag-like organ named the spermatheca). The bursa copulatrix of female Lepidoptera is a complex organ where crucial male–female reproductive interactions occur during and after copulation. The bursa copulatrix receives, stores, and digests the spermatophore and other substances transferred by the male during copulation, and is involved in changes in female receptivity, ovogenesis, and oviposition. Although females of the butterfly Leptophobia aripa do not digest the spermatophore, they possess a prominent signum. Since, in general, the function of the signum is considered to be the piercing or tearing of the spermatophore to initiate its digestion, its presence in L. aripa poses a conundrum. We undertook a microscopic study of the different components of the bursa copulatrix (ductus bursae and corpus bursae) and found structural differences that we interpreted in functional terms. We provide a detailed description of the signum and present experimental data regarding its effect on the spermatophore. Our observations led us to propose a novel hypothesis regarding the function of the signum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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[Display omitted] • We exposed virgin L. botrana males with females' pheromones/cuticular compounds. • Virgin males, exposed or not, were presented to females to test mating preference. • Females select mates based on chemical cues to enhance reproductive success. • Females avoided mating with exposed males. • Different cues seems to be used according to the timing. During reproduction, females may boost their fitness by being selective based on direct material benefits provided by the males, such as nuptial gifts. In Lepidoptera, male provides a spermatophore containing nutrients. However, virgin males produce a bigger spermatophore, containing spermatozoa and nutrients, allowing higher female fertility. Lepidoptera females that could detect the sexual status of males may thus prefer a male without previous mating experience (i.e. a virgin male). This mate selection could be achieved by the use of chemical indices, such as sexual pheromones and cuticular compounds, known to be possibly exchanged during reproduction, and which can be indicators of a previous mating experience and known to be possibly sources of information exchanged. In this study, we experimentally presented Lobesia botrana virgin males with females in order for them to be exposed to females' natural sexual pheromones or cuticular compounds. 12 or 48 h after the exposure of males to either females' sexual pheromones or cuticular compounds, these males were confronted to naïve females, which have a choice between them or a virgin non-exposed males. We highlighted that, despite producing a spermatophore of similar volume, all exposed virgin males were less likely to mate with females 12 h after exposure, while after 48 h of exposure this is only the case for virgin males exposed to sexual pheromones. L. botrana females may thus discriminate male sexual experience based on chemical cues (either from cues transferred directly from females to males, or from changes in the cuticular or pheromone males' profile) indicating past mating experiences. Mating duration was longer for males exposed to sexual pheromones after 12 h only, and for males exposed to cuticular compounds after 48 h only. Pheromones signal might be more persistent over time and seems to more easily gather information for males. The physiological reasoning behind this result still needs to be investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to sperm, some accessory substances transferred to females during copulation act as nuptial gifts by passing on valuable nutrients in many insect species. The nutritional status of the males can thus have a great effect on the mating behavior, fecundity and even the longevity of females. However, little is known about the effect of male nutritional status on the female reproductive traits in migratory insect species, particularly when females experience nutrient shortage and have to choose between reproduction and migration. Here, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis, a migratory rice pest in Asia, was studied to explore this issue. Our results showed that in male moths fed with honey solution, their gonads had higher energy content than gonads of starved males, resulting in increased energy content of the bursa copulatrix of females after mating with fed males. Such females showed increased mating frequency, fecundity and longevity compared to females mating with starved males, indicating that male moths deliver nuptial gifts to females and improve their reproductive performance. However, when females were starved, only about 45% mated, with just a single copulation, regardless of male nutritional status. Starved females showed lower fecundity, and a longer pre‐oviposition period (indicating a greater propensity to migrate), compared to fed females. However, copulation still significantly extended their longevity. These results suggest that starved females invest in migration to escape deteriorating habitats, rather than investing the nuptial gift to increased fecundity. Our results further our understanding of the reproductive adaptability of migratory insects under conditions of food stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carnivorous sponges (family Cladorhizidae) lack the aquiferous system and choanocytes and, therefore, their reproduction and in particular spermatogenesis is unusual for Porifera. We studied spermatogenesis in a carnivorous sponge Lycopodina hypogea using confocal microscopy, SEM and TEM. In brief, spermatogenesis in L. hypogea proceeds as follows. Male cells derive from archaeocyte-like cells. During its first divisions, the spermatogonia are surrounded by a thin follicle made up by a single cell. The spermatogonia divide mitotically, giving rise to next generation of spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes. Spermatozoa of L. hypogea are long and narrow mono-flagellated cells, tightly packed inside the spermatic cyst. They are unusual for sponges, being dart-shaped, with an anterior filament, which is an electron-dense, rod-like outgrowth terminating in an acrosome. The flagellum is long, and its proximal region is located within a cytoplasmic tunnel. In the course of spermiogenesis, a secondary envelope made up by several cells tightly intertwined by their pseudopodia is formed around the first unicellular envelope. Symbiotic bacteria are usually present between the sperm cells. During maturation, the sperm cyst, which may be called the spermatophore, migrates from the sponge body to the filaments and acquires two bundles of forceps spicules. Mature spermatophores are released from the filaments. To sum up, we showed that spermatogenesis and fertilization in L. hypogea are strikingly different from these processes in other sponges. The differences mostly concern the origin of male germ cells, the structure of mature spermatozoa and the formation of spermatophores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The relationship of body weight and length with sperm load and spermatophore weight was evaluated in wild males of Macrobrachium tenellum (Smith, 1871). In addition, the influence of a commercial and natural feed on the load and viability of sperm was determined in wild males. In 28 wild males spermatophore extraction was performed by electrostimulation 24 h after capture to analyze the relationship between body length/weight and sperm load and viability, respectively. Spermatophore weight (SW), total number (TS), dead (DS) and abnormal sperm cells (AS) were used as indicators of sperm viability. The results obtained show that there is a positive correlation between TS per spermatophore compared to body length and weight of the male. To study the effect of different diets on sperm load, three diets were employed: Diet A, commercial shrimp feed; Diet B, natural feed (mixture of squid, sardine and clam); and Diet C, combination of natural and commercial diet. To assess the initial reproductive status of the males at the beginning of the experiment, sperm viability was determined in a subsample of specimens after capture. Broodstock were fed ad libitum once a day during 70 days. TS, DS, AS and SW were evaluated. The results of the bioassay did not show differences between treatments in the parameters analyzed, except DS, which was higher in the initial group. In conclusion, the present work suggests that it is feasible to substitute fresh feed for an artificial diet for the maintenance in captivity of male M. tenellum broodstock shrimp.

The dynamics of sperm transfer during copulation is still poorly understood. In some insect species, the amount of sperm transferred in copulation is proportional to the copulation time. The interruption of copulation affects not only the adequate amount of sperm passed, but it can compromise the fertility of the females. In species where the duration of copulation is proportional to the transfer of sperm, changes in duration can affect the fecundity and fertility of females. We tested the average duration of the as Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant, 1850 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) copulation and the effects of interrupted copulation on fecundity and fertility. We dissected females to access the size of fertilization sacs. We found that fecundity and fertility were compromised in all the treatments with interrupted copulation. The production of spermatophore is not directly proportional to the duration of the copula, where it is fully formed after at last 16 min of copulation. The study about the dynamics of ejaculate transfer can provide knowledge about the reproductive event of this ladybird. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Courtship and mating behavior in the vinegaroon, Mastigoproctus tohono Barrales-Alcala´, 2018, is an elaborate, multistep, and long-lasting procedure. It consists of four major stages: Chase and Grapple, Dancing, Generating, and Pressing, with subtle behaviors occurring within the stages. Courtship occurs during nighttime and requires on average nearly 13 hours for completion. Especially in the beginning of the courtship, females will often resist the advances of the male and even during later stages can escape and terminate the courtship. On average, wild caught female vinegaroons produce 52 young whose combined initial weight can exceed that of the female. These 1st instar freeliving young share the burrow with their mother during the early activity period of the summer. The female exhibits maternal care including feeding prey that she catches to her new young. Vinegaroons have four immature free-living instars before molting to the adult. Each instar requires at least one year, and sometimes more than one year, before molting to the next instar. Adults can live up to four years during which time they never molt. Females can produce a litter of young during each of their second and third summer seasons. The usual lifespan of a vinegaroon from egg to death ranges from 7 to 9 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During mating in the Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies), sperm are passed to the female via a copulation in which the male transfers a large and often complex spermatophore over the major part of an hour or more. Subsequently, over the course of an hour or often considerably more, the sperm exit the spermatophore and travel over a relatively complex route to the spermatheca, where the sperm are stored and then used as the eggs are laid. The process of spermatophore formation and migration of sperm in the female has been described in many Lepidoptera, but the mechanics involved have received less attention. Understanding these is important in discerning the relative roles of males and females in determining the outcome of matings. We describe how the spermatophore is formed, how the sperm migrate in the female, and the fate of the sperm in the spermatheca of the tobacco hornworm moth, Manduca sexta. We found that sperm movement from the spermatophore relied upon motility of the sperm, but further movement of the sperm to the spermatheca was dependent on female muscular action. After arriving in the spermatheca, the anucleate parasperm (apyrene sperm) separated into the lateral pouch of the spermatheca (lagena) and disappeared over 7 days, whereas the eusperm (eupyrene sperm) persisted in the central lumen of the spermatheca (utriculus). The relative persistence of these two sperm types could shed some light on what determines the proclivity of females to remate. Elucidation of these physiological mechanisms contributes to an understanding of the mechanisms of female choice and male competition in Lepidoptera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thaumatotibia leucotreta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a polyphagous insect pest native to sub-Saharan Africa. The larvae burrow into the fruit and feed on the pulp, thus inflicting huge direct (yield) and indirect losses (markets). Nevertheless, little is known about the mating frequency, behavior, and trade-off between fecundity and longevity of this pest. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of mating status and frequency on fecundity, fertility, and female longevity of T. leucotreta; evaluate the trade-off between the female fecundity and longevity, and evaluate the spermatophore degradation in the bursa copulatrix. The first mating occurred 13 h on average after adult eclosion and the highest number of individuals were mated on the first-day post eclosion. Females mated frequently with an average of 6.3 mating occurrences. Fecundity was highest for females mated multiple times with the same male followed by those mated with different males. An increase in mating duration significantly increased the fecundity of females mated once with virgin males, while it decreased the fecundity of those mated once with the mated males. The number of eggs laid by females significantly increased with the increase in the number of matings and female longevity. The amount of resources invested by females for egg laying was thirty to seventy times higher than those used for survival, depending on the mating status. The spermatophore in bursa copulatrix was invisible 24 h after copulation. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the reproductive biology and demographic parameters of T. leucotreta. The findings of this study lay the foundation for the development of sound management strategies of this pest, such as the use of autodissemination technique, mating disruption, and sterile insect techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monandrous species are rare in nature, especially in animals where males transfer nutrients to females in the ejaculate. The proximate mechanisms responsible for monandry are poorly studied. In butterflies and moths, the male transfers a nutritious spermatophore into the corpus bursae (CB) of the female. The CB is a multifunctional organ that digests the spermatophore and has partial control of the post-mating sexual receptivity of the female. The spermatophore distends the CB and the post-mating sexual receptivity of the female is inversely proportional to the degree of distension. The CB of many butterfly species has a muscular sheath whose contractions mechanically contribute to digest the spermatophore. As the contents of the CB are absorbed, the degree of distension decreases and the female recovers receptivity. We studied the monandrous butterfly Leptophobia aripa (Boisduval, 1836) (Pieridae) and found that females do not digest the spermatophores. We investigated the structure of the CB and found that a muscular sheath is absent, indicating that in this butterfly females lack the necessary ``apparatus' for the mechanical digestion of the spermatophore. We propose that female monandry in this species is result of its incapability to mechanically digest the spermatophore, which results in a constant degree of CB distension after mating and, thus, in the maintenance of the sexually unreceptive state of females. Hypotheses on the evolution of this mechanism are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monandrous species are rare in nature, especially in animals where males transfer nutrients to females in the ejaculate. The proximate mechanisms responsible for monandry are poorly studied. In butterflies and moths, the male transfers a nutritious spermatophore into the corpus bursae (CB) of the female. The CB is a multifunctional organ that digests the spermatophore and has partial control of the post-mating sexual receptivity of the female. The spermatophore distends the CB and the post-mating sexual receptivity of the female is inversely proportional to the degree of distension. The CB of many butterfly species has a muscular sheath whose contractions mechanically contribute to digest the spermatophore. As the contents of the CB are absorbed, the degree of distension decreases and the female recovers receptivity. We studied the monandrous butterfly Leptophobia aripa (Boisduval, 1836) (Pieridae) and found that females do not digest the spermatophores. We investigated the structure of the CB and found that a muscular sheath is absent, indicating that in this butterfly females lack the necessary “apparatus” for the mechanical digestion of the spermatophore. We propose that female monandry in this species is result of its incapability to mechanically digest the spermatophore, which results in a constant degree of CB distension after mating and, thus, in the maintenance of the sexually unreceptive state of females. Hypotheses on the evolution of this mechanism are discussed.

This article uses the male spider crab Lissa chiragra , collected from Ras el Tin beach on the Mediterranean Sea at Alexandria, Egypt, between January and December 2017, as a model for a descriptive study of the functional morphology of the different structures of spermatogenesis with the aid of the transmission electron microscope. This study divides the seminiferous tubule into three zones, i.e., the germinal, transformation, and evacuation zone. The transformation or maturation zone occupies the central area. The evacuation zone lies at a pole opposite to the germinal zone. The anterior vas deferens is a tube where the formation of the spermatophore occurs by means of secretions from the epithelium. The ejaculatory duct is located between the muscles of the coxae of the fifth walking legs. This study concluded that the complex acrosome vesicle is formed during spermiogenesis and the cytoplasm includes the membrane system, constituted by the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and vesicles associated with microtubules, and a few mitochondria. The Golgi apparatus is developed and is organized progressively to produce various vesicles. The cytoplasm forms a ring at the base of the nuclear extensions. The merger of the plasma and nuclear membranes, results in a pentalaminar membranous structure in some regions of the cell surface. Résumé: Cet article utilise le crabe araignée mâle Lissa chiragra , collecté sur la plage de Ras el Tin, Mer Méditerranée, à Alexandrie, Egypte, entre janvier et décembre 2017, comme un modèle pour une étude descriptive de la morphologie fonctionnelle des différentes structures de la spermatogénèse, à l'aide de microscopie électronique à transmission. Cette étude divise les tubes séminifères en trois zones, i.e., zone germinative, de transformation et d'évacuation. La zone de transformation ou maturation occupe l'aire centrale. La zone d'évacuation s'étend au pôle opposé de la zone germinative. Le vase déférent antérieur est un tube où la formation du spermatophore se produit à partir de secrétions de l'épithélium. Le conduit éjaculateur est situé entre les muscles et le coxa des cinquièmes pattes marcheuses. Cette étude conclu que la vésicule du complexe acrosomial est formée durant la spermiogénèse et le cytoplasme inclut le système membranaire, constitué par le réticulum endoplasmique, l'appareil de Golgi et des vésicules associées avec des microtubules, et quelques mitochondries. L'appareil de Golgi est développé et organisé progressivement pour produire diverses vésicules. Le cytoplasme forme un anneau à la base des extensions du noyau. La fusion des membranes du plasma et du noyau, résulte en une structure membranaire penta laminée dans certaines régions de la surface cellulaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the growing season of one year, the aetological and reproductive monitoring of imago Agrotis segetum was carried out using light and pheromone traps. It was noted that, under the climatic conditions of the Republic of Moldova, the first years of butterflies and the laying of winter moths were observed in the third decade of April due to the onset of warm, stable spring temperatures. The pest develops in three full generations. The seasonal sex ratio of the pest was determined - the number of males and females of A. segetum was 1,3:0,8. The reproductive capacity of the A. segetum population has been found to depend heavily on the sequence of generations. Thus, for the I generation the breeding potential was 25%, for the II generation - 24%, for the III generation - 51%. It was noted that the cycle of potential in-infestation times of large numbers of females coincided with mass numbers of females matching the main phases of soybean development - start of branching phase, flowering, formation and ripening of beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analysed the effects of three temperatures (20, 24 and 28ºC) on survival, body coloration, carotenoid content, body weight, biochemical composition and spermatophore quality in the shrimp Neocaridina davidi. In all treatments, survival was >90%. Female body coloration and total carotenoid content, for both males and females, did not statistically differ among treatments. Female weight was similar for the three temperatures, while male weight was higher at 20ºC and 24ºC. Total lipid content was higher in female and male shrimps raised at 20ºC. Total protein content was higher in females exposed at 28ºC, but in contrast, males showed the lowest value at the same temperature. The histological and histochemical analyses of the male reproductive system did not reveal differences among treatments. At 20ºC, a delay in ovaries maturation was observed, as well as a smaller amount of ovigerous females at the end of the experimental period. Hence, these results suggest that a temperature range from 20ºC to 28ºC is adequate for satisfactory growth, with no change being exerted on spermatophore quality, body female coloration or carotenoid content, but biochemical composition was affected. Nevertheless, the lowest temperature had a clear impact on the metabolism and reproduction of N. davidi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The arachnid order Pseudoscorpiones is characterized by a huge number of different mating strategies. Cheliferidae, for instance, have developed complex mating dances, including the use of the curious ram's horn organs of males. The present study provides a detailed description of the mating behavior of Dactylochelifer latreillii latreillii (Leach, 1817), including first quantitative data for each behavioral unit, based on the analysis of laboratory video captures of individual mating ceremonies. Previous studies on mating in cheliferids have been purely qualitative, including a description of mating in a distinct subspecies of D. latreillii, D. l. septentrionalis Beier, 1932. Qualitatively, our data on Dactylochelifer l. latreillii is roughly consistent with these older observations except for some differences in the vibrating behavior of males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological and histological structures of male reproductive system of adult Gryllus campestris Linnaeus, 1758 (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) have been defined by using stereo microscope, light microscope, and scanning electron microscope. The male reproductive system of G. campestris is formed as a couple of testes, a pair of vas defence, two seminal vesicles, accessory gland, a single muscular ejaculator bulb and ejaculator duct which opens the aedaegus and spermatophore. The mature G. campestris has two nearly uniformly broad testes. Spermatozoa are produced in the testes. Each testis is formed as series of slender tubules or follicles in which disparate stage of spermatogenesis (spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa) and spermatozoa develop. Initially, the germ cells at the proximal end of the testicular follicle undergo mitosis to form spermatocytes. Later, spermatids are formed from the spermatocytes in the middle region of the follicles through meiosis. At last, spermatids, the proximal region of the follicle differentiates into spermatozoa. Every follicle is connected to the vas deferens via vas efferens to transfer spermatozoa. Vas efferens is surrounded by a single layer of cubic epithelium containing an oval core. Ejaculatory duct opens and a large ventral male mating organ opens the penis or the end of aedeagus. The accessory glands is a liquid to aid in the transfer during mating female spermatozoa secretes. Spermatophore or sperm ampulla is a capsule or mass containing spermatozoa formed by males. Spermatophore is synthesized by the male accessory glands. Before the sperm is transposed to the female, the spermatophore is located in the sac like the ampulla. In this study, the morphology and histology of the male reproductive system of G. campestris, which is an economically important species for our country, was examined and illustrated by stereo microscope, light microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Our findings, characterizing the structure of the male reproductive system of G. campestris, form the basis of future studies including technological approaches to control this pest in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We found in the spermatophore of C. ictus 177 different putative proteins. • Spermatophores and the mass of their proteins are independent of the males' size. • There is a potential trade-off between wing size and protein allocation in males. • The males could transfer their ejaculates according to the females' quality. In many katydids, the male feeds his mate with a large gelatinous spermatophore. While providing large spermatophores can increase female fecundity and lifespan, it may also decrease their sexual receptivity, benefiting male fitness. Allocating resources to these edible gifts may entail a lower apportionment of them to other functions, generating a trade-off between somatic and reproductive functions. Despite their effect on male and female fitness, little is known of the compounds associated with katydid spermatophores. Our study found 177 different putative proteins in the spermatophore of Conocephalus ictus , with no correlation between male body size with spermatophore mass, number, concentration and mass of proteins. However, we did observe a negative relationship between male forewing length and protein concentration, and a negative relationship between the mass of the spermatophore transferred to the females and their body size, suggesting a resource allocation trade-off in males, but also strategic transference of resources based on female quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bursa copulatrix of female Lepidoptera is a complex organ where crucial male–female reproductive interactions occur during and after copulation. The bursa copulatrix receives, stores, and digests the spermatophore and other substances transferred by the male during copulation, and is involved in changes in female receptivity, ovogenesis, and oviposition. Although females of the butterfly Leptophobia aripa do not digest the spermatophore, they possess a prominent signum. Since, in general, the function of the signum is considered to be the piercing or tearing of the spermatophore to initiate its digestion, its presence in L. aripa poses a conundrum. We undertook a microscopic study of the different components of the bursa copulatrix (ductus bursae and corpus bursae) and found structural differences that we interpreted in functional terms. We provide a detailed description of the signum and present experimental data regarding its effect on the spermatophore. Our observations led us to propose a novel hypothesis regarding the function of the signum.

Males of many insects deliver ejaculates with nutritious substances to females in the form of a spermatophore. Different factors can affect spermatophore quality. We manipulated males’ diet and health to determine the balance of macronutrients deposited in the spermatophores of Tenebrio molitor beetles. For diet, we varied the concentration of proteins and carbohydrates, while for health status we used a fungal infection. Males with different condition copulated with unmanipulated females, and spermatophores were extracted to measure the amount of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Diet and infection had an effect on the quality of the spermatophore. Diets with high protein and low carbohydrate contents produced spermatophores with higher protein, carbohydrate, and lipid contents. In contrast, diets with little protein and high in carbohydrates led to low quality spermatophores. Infected males produced spermatophores with the highest amount of all three macronutrients. In general, spermatophore content was carbohydrates>proteins>=lipids. The fact that sick males produced richer spermatophores can be explained as a terminal investment strategy. The large investment of carbohydrates may be related to the preparation of spermatozoa in males, and eggs in females.

The present study reports the distribution and bionomics of Hottentotta jabalpurensis Kovarik, 2007, a central India endemic species. Information on courtship, maternal care, feeding habits, and kin recognition has been provided based on observations made in captivity. Morphological and morphometric details of the pre-insemination spermatophore of the species have been detailed for the first time for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambystoma mexicanum is in danger of extinction in free-living, due to anthropogenic actions; sperm cryopreservation for captive breeding can help in its ex-situ conservation. This research aimed to identify the viability of fresh and post-thawing sperm from different spermatophores. During the breeding season, spermatophores releasing was induced in nine specimens by reducing water temperature. The mean concentration per spermatophores was 2.6 ± 0.6 x104 sperm. A reduction of 30 % of living sperms and an increase of 15 % of abnormal morphology were determined in fresh and post-thawing sperm. With the WGA and PNA lectins bounded to FITC, two different fluorescence patterns were determined in each one, which showed the membrane presence and distribution of N-acetyl glucosamine, sialic acid, and mannose respectively. Sperm percentages in each fluorescence pattern showed differences associated with the number of spermatophores in each release. Differences in sperm viability from releases with different numbers of spermatophores were determined. The sperm collection and cryopreservation protocol of A mexicanum were efficient as tools for using cryopreserved semen for ex situ reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In species where females compete for mates, the male often provides the female with resources in addition to gametes. A recently suggested definition of sexual selection proposed that if females only benefit from additional resources that come with each mating and not additional gametes, female intrasexual competition for mating opportunities would result in natural selection rather than sexual selection. The nuptial gift-giving bushcricket Kawanaphila nartee has dynamic sex roles and has been a textbook example of sexual selection acting on females via mating competition. We investigated whether females of this species gain fitness benefits from nuptial gifts, additional ejaculates or both by controlling the number of matings and whether the female was allowed to consume the nutritious gift (spermatophylax) at mating. We found that egg production per day of life increased with the number of additional matings, both with and without spermatophylax consumption, but consuming the spermatophylax had an additional positive effect on the number of eggs. These effects were particularly strong in females with shorter lifespans. We discuss how the recently suggested definition of sexual selection applies to nuptial-feeding insects and conclude that both natural and sexual selections influence mating competition in K. nartee females., Competing Interests: We declare we have no competing interests., (© 2024 The Authors.)

The transition to asexual reproduction is frequent and widespread across the tree of life and constitutes a major life history change. Without sexual reproduction, selection on sexually selected traits is expected to be weaker or absent, allowing the decay and ultimately loss of sexual traits. In this study, we applied an experimental approach to investigate the decay of reproductive traits under asexuality in two asexual populations of the springtail Folsomia candida. Specifically, we compared several key male sexual traits of a sexual population and two distinct parthenogenetic lines. To allow direct comparisons between sexual and asexual individuals we first determined a suite of life history characteristics in the sexual F. candida population, which performs an indirect transfer of sperm packages (spermatophores).To investigate the decay of male sexual traits under asexuality we measured the size of spermatophores, quantified the amount of sperm DNA material, and tested spermatophore attractiveness to females in all three populations. The amount of sperm DNA material in the sperm droplets and the attractiveness of spermatophores were lower in the asexual lines compared to the sexual population. However, the two asexual lines differed in the extent of decay of these traits. Our results are consistent with predictions from neutral mutation accumulation theory, and thus suggest this to be the main evolutionary process underlying the decay of male traits in F. candida. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is the most significant lepidopteran corn pest in South American countries. Transgenic Bt corn, producing the Cry1Fa toxins, has been used to control this pest, but there is clear evidence that some FAW populations have developed resistance. To determine if there are costs associated with resistance, we compared the mass of adults, the duration of mating, and the mass of the first spermatophore produced, as well as the lifetime fecundity and fertility of once-mated susceptible (SS) and resistant (RR) females. Adult mass was affected by both sex and strain, with SS females being significantly larger than RR ones, while the inverse was true for males. RR pairs took significantly longer to mate than SS pairs, yet the mass of spermatophores produced by RR males was significantly less than those of SS males. The total number of eggs laid did not differ but the fertility of eggs from once-mated RR pairs was significantly lower than that of SS pairs. Our data provided clear evidence that the development of Bt resistance affected the reproductive capacity of resistant FAW.

The morpho-anatomical and morphometrical characteristics of the reproductive system, together with the spermatophore and dart apparatus, of Macrochlamys indica are described and the results compared with available data of other Macrochlamys species. Histology of some reproductive structures such as the ovotestis, hermaphrodite duct, albumen gland, penis and dart shaft of M. indica are also studied. A muscular, brownish capsule is developed between the free oviduct and the vagina, here named as vaginoviducal capsule and its location is species-specific. The distal end of the vaginoviducal capsule bifurcates into a free oviduct and the duct of the gametolytic organ. The gametolytic sac of the gametolytic organ is a whitish, tubular structure that becomes pinkish and club-shaped in inseminated snails. Two to seven spermatophores are found in the pinkish gametolytic sac. The spermatophore is a whip-like, translucent structure. The epiphallus possesses a coiled epiphallic caecum to which a penial retractor muscle is attached. The penis is a short, muscular structure with a distinct penial caecum. The dart apparatus is well-developed, having four distinct parts. The proximal part of the dart apparatus possesses a non-disposable muscular dart. The dart shaft includes a central core which is encircled by many layers of circular muscle cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to optimize the chilled storage method for banana shrimp (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis) spermatophores and evaluate the potential of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) extract on the reduction in bacterial contaminants during spermatophore preservation due to the uncertainty of the broodstock. Spermatophores were suspended in five extenders: mineral oil, Ringer's solution, phosphate buffer, calcium‐free saline and 0.8% NaCl and stored at 2–4°C. During a 28‐day storage, spermatophores stored in mineral oil showed the highest sperm viability (89.1%) and intact morphology with a slight formation of hardened adhesive matrices. The effect of moringa extract was investigated on chilled spermatophores. Spermatophores were suspended in mineral oil (the control) and mineral oil containing either penicillin–streptomycin (0.1%) or moringa extract (0.1 mg/ml) during a 28‐day storage. Supplementation of moringa extract resulted in a significant increase (p <.05) in sperm survival, compared to the control, and a complete elimination of culturable Vibrio (Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio mimicus and Vibrio furnissii), Staphylococcus kloosii, Bacillus macerans, Listeria ivanovii, Corynebacterium paurometabolum and Corynebacterium bovis, in chilled spermatophores. Chilled storage of spermatophores in mineral oil containing moringa extract was a promising technique due to the inhibition of shrimp and human pathogens without the spermicidal effect on banana shrimp sperm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the mating system of an insect species is necessary to gain insight into sexual selection and population structure. Male territoriality of the common evening brown butterfly Melanitis leda has been studied in the wild, but other aspects of its mating system remain largely unknown. For a population of M. leda in South India, we observed male-male and male-female interactions in captivity, measured mating duration and spermatophore mass, and also determined the degree of polyandry in the wild. We found that mating behavior takes place for short periods of time around dawn and dusk. Our observations corroborate that males compete in aerial combats (twirling) and interfere with mating pairs. In the morning, they may use shivering to warm up. Females can twirl with males and refuse mating by pointing their abdomens upwards or by flying away. Males court females by fluttering their wings while perched behind females, and then initiate copulation by curling their abdomens ca. 180 degrees sideways to make genital contact. While in the morning, matings lasted on average one hour and twenty-three minutes and never exceeded three hours, in the evening, matings could be of similar duration, but 42% of butterflies only separated when dawn was approaching. However, such long nocturnal matings did not result in heavier spermatophores. The first spermatophore of a male tended to be larger than subsequent spermatophores. Together with previous studies on this species, our findings suggest that males compete mainly through territorial defense (as reported before), courtship performance, and interference, and to a lesser extent by providing spermatophores, while females exert some control over the mating system by the timing of their receptivity and mate choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sperm limitation is a concern for a number of heavily fished decapods; however, work to assess this concern is sometimes hampered by a lack of simple techniques to quantify sperm transferred during reproduction. Our primary goal was to determine if DNA measurements could be used to quantify the sperm content of spermatophores and thus facilitate investigations of sperm limitation in American lobsters (Homarus americanus H. Milne Edwards, 1837). This was achieved by measuring the amount of DNA in a sample and then calibrating those values by using flow cytometry to count the number of individual sperm present in the sample. Our results show that the DNA quantification technique provides a fast and accurate way to quantify sperm. We then demonstrated the utility of the method by using it to examine the rate at which males can produce sperm under simulated conditions of repeated mating events, a situation that might lead to a reduction in the number of sperm per spermatophore. While spermatophores obtained from male lobsters at three-day intervals varied substantially in the number of sperm they contained (range 427,090–5,028,996; mean 2,306,473), there was no clear decline in sperm count over time. These results suggest that male lobsters replenish their sperm supplies rapidly, and that sperm recharge rate is unlikely to be a factor that could lead to sperm limitation in American lobster populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effects of different levels of vitamin E in feed on the spermatophore regeneration and quality of male Penaeus monodon. The experiment was carried out with the four following treatments: the basal diet no added vitamin E, the diet added 200, 600 and 1,000 mg/kg respectively. Spermatophore regeneration and quality were evaluated by spermatophore weight, sperm count and spermatophore absence rates, which male P. monodon were extruded spermatophore for feeding 20 and 40 days. In the experiment, the weight of the twice regenerated spermatophore of the males added to the vitamin E group was higher than that of the untreated control group. The weight of the first regenerated spermatophore with the addition of 1,000 mg/kg group was the highest and significantly higher than the control group (p <.05), but there was no significant difference among the three groups with different levels of vitamin E. The weight of the second regenerated spermatophore with the addition of 600 mg/kg group was the highest, followed by 1,000 mg/kg group, both of which were higher than the control group and the addition of 200 mg/kg group. Within the same group, the regeneration spermatophore weight showed overall upward trend as the feeding time, twice regenerate experiment spermatophore weight with added to the vitamin E groups were significantly higher than the initial value (p <.05), but three spermatophore weight of male shrimp at the control group had no significant difference. The sperm quantity and the percentage of normal sperm of the twice regenerated spermatophore of the males with added to the vitamin E group was higher than that of the untreated control group, and those of the addition of 200 mg/kg group was significantly higher than that of control group (p <.05). The total number of sperm and the percentage of living sperm of male shrimp in the experimental group decreased with the increase of vitamin E in the feed. Within the same group, the total number of sperm and the percentage of living sperm of male shrimp with added to the vitamin E groups showed overall upward trend as the feeding time and were significantly higher than the initial value (p <.05), but the control group was slightly down and had no significant difference. Comprehensive sperm weight, sperm quantity and living sperm percentage of three indicators, that adding 200 mg/kg of vitamin E in feed could effectively promote the spermatophore regeneration in the male P. monodon and improve the sperm quantity. The experimental results provide a scientific basis for the breeding of P. monodon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]