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Aminergic signaling is known to play a critical role in regulating female reproductive processes in both mammals and insects. In Drosophila, the ortholog of noradrenaline, octopamine, is required for ovulation as well as several other female reproductive processes. Two octopamine receptors have already been shown to be expressed in the Drosophila reproductive tract and to be required for egg-laying: OAMB and Octβ2R. The Drosophila genome contains 4 additional octopamine receptors-Octα2R, Octβ1R, Octβ3R, and Oct-TyrR-but their cellular patterns of expression in the reproductive tract and potential contribution(s) to egg-laying are not known. In addition, the mechanisms by which OAMB and Octβ2R regulate reproduction are incompletely understood. Using a panel of MiMIC Gal4 lines, we show that Octα2R, Octβ1R, Octβ3R, and Oct-TyrR receptors are not detectable in either epithelium or muscle but are clearly expressed in neurons within the female fly reproductive tract. Optogenetic activation of neurons that express at least 3 types of octopamine receptors stimulates contractions in the lateral oviduct. We also find that octopamine stimulates calcium transients in the sperm storage organs and that its effects in spermathecal, secretory cells, can be blocked by knock-down of OAMB. These data extend our understanding of the pathways by which octopamine regulates egg-laying in Drosophila and raise the possibility that multiple octopamine receptor subtypes could play a role in this process.

Genetic analysis of the honey bee spermathecal content can be particularly useful to provide an estimate of the genetic diversity and purity of the surrounding populations. Here we compared the concentration and quality of DNA extracted from queen spermatheca using four commercial kits to determine the best method to obtain DNA suitable for single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping by next-generation sequencing. The four kits were tested with different adjustments in the lysis incubation time, use of RNA-carrier, elution conditions and number of re-elutions. Only the use of QIAamp DNA Microkit with 3 h of lysis incubation, the addition of RNA-carrier and multiple re-elutions produced a DNA concentration over the required threshold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The finding of a copulating pair of Coniopteryx (Holoconiopteryx) haematica (Mc Lachlan, 1868) offers the possibility to study the position of the elements of the genitalia of both sexes to each other for the first time in Coniopterygidae by using X-ray microcomputed tomography. The genital sclerites of the male resemble largely those of Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) pygmaea (Enderlein, 1906) treated previously. Therefore, terminology and interpretation of the genital sclerites following the "gonocoxite concept" are adopted. The dominating eye-catching sclerite of the male is sternite 9 (the hypandrium externum of diverse taxa), the dominating sclerite of the female genitalia is the sclerotized spermatheca embedded in the "copulatory cup" of the hypandrium externum of the male. There is no indication that the genital sclerites of the male, the so called intromittent sclerites, are pushed into the female during copulation. They apparently function as a track for the distal part of the long slim ductus ejaculatorius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming at solving the problem of crablet production for mud crab commercial farming, an artificial insemination (AI) method in the mud crab, Scylla olivacea, was described. Placing a pair of cathodes to the inner coxa of both sides of the swimming paddles and an anode to the inner abdominal flab upon the hind gut of sexually mature S. olivacea males and applying 5–6 V of DC current for 3–5 s induced sperm mass expulsion. The sperm mass, comprising several spermatophores containing > 108 sperm/mL, was inserted into the vagina of the newly molted S. olivacea female. Out of 50 female trials, 10 of them developed ovarian maturation within 45 days, and 3 of these 10 crabs spawned. At full maturation of the ovary, needle aspiration of the ovarian tissue examined under light microscopy revealed approximately 50% mature oocytes with elevated fertilization membrane, indicating successful fertilization. Histological and ultrastructural studies of the seminal receptacle revealed numerous sperm with acrosome reaction (AR) within its lumen, revealing fertilization potential of the artificially inseminated sperm. Histologically, the mature ovary at 45 days following AI was composed of mature oocytes surrounded by numerous sperm with AR, suggesting sperm migration from the seminal receptacle into the ovarian tissue. This study reveals a high possibility of using AI for S. olivacea that could lead to the commercial supply of the crablets and a new insight into the internal fertilization of this economic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bangasternus planifrons (Brullé, 1832) specimens collected from Ankara‐Bala were studied. The paper presents a scanning electron microscopic examination of ultrastructural features of aedeagus and spermatheca of Bangasternus planifrons (Brullé, 1832) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Rhinocyllini) from Türkiye for the first time. The fact that Bangasternus is a genus with three species in Türkiye makes the study more important. Accordingly, detailed investigation of aedeagus and spermatheca is very important to obtain new diagnostic characteristics in Bangasternus. The parts which include systematic characters such as spermatheca, genital spicule, sternite eight and coxite figures were drawn in detail and these characters were discussed on species, genera and tribus levels. While significant differences were observed among the species in genital spicula, coxite, stylus and spermateca, a difference that would reveal a genus discrimination character by evaluating these structures could not be obtained according to the available findings. Photos in stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope are also given in the text. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marionina (Michaelsen in Pfeffer, 1890) is a worldwide distributed genus of small enchytraeids living in mainly aquatic habitats. The genus is polyphyletic, including about 100 species with diverse morphological characters and cryptic lineages; therefore, taxonomic revisions were performed recently, and further actions are needed in the future. In our study, Marionina individuals were investigated from decaying seagrass debris collected from seashores in Croatia and Italy using morphological characters and molecular markers involving the COI and H3 genes and the ITS region. Descriptions of two new Marionina species, M. puntaalanensis sp. nov. and M. orbifera sp. nov., are presented in this paper, and in addition, the description of a third new Marionina species, M. reicharti sp. nov., from the shore of the freshwater Lake Balaton (Hungary) is provided here. All three new species are small (2–3.5 mm in vivo with less than 30 segments), their clitellum is saddle-shaped, the dorsal anterior blood vessel bifurcation is in III, and the spermatheca is attached to the oesophagus. The main diagnostic features of M. puntaalanensis sp. nov. are: brain incised posteriorly; dorsal vessel from the clitellar region; two chaetae in all bundles; three pairs of preclitellar nephridia; small subneural glands in XIII–XIV; seminal vesicle absent or small; ectal duct of spermatheca surrounded along the length by glands and one larger. The main features of M. orbifera sp. nov. are: brain truncate posteriorly; dorsal vessel from the clitellar region; two chaetae in all bundles; two pairs of preclitellar nephridia; subneural glands in XIII–XIV; seminal vesicle well developed; the lumen of the spermathecal ampulla is characteristically full with many spherical sperm rolls. In M. reicharti sp. nov. : brain incised posteriorly, dorsal vessel origin in XII, maximum five chaetae per bundle, often the middle chaetae slightly smaller than the ental ones, three pairs of preclitellar nephridia, subneural glands absent, spermathecal ampulla globular, ectal duct surrounded along the length by glands, and one large sessile gland at the orifice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mated queen honeybees (Apis mellifera) store viable sperm in their spermathecae for egg fertilization throughout their lifespan, which can extend for several years. However, the mechanisms underlying this remarkable ability for longterm sperm storage remain unclear. It is known that the molecular basis for sperm survival in queen bees' spermathecae is associated with minimized energy metabolism and reduced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the factors affecting sperm motility under these conditions have not yet been fully elucidated. This study presents novel evidence for the presence of a sperm-binding protein, Amwaprin, in both the seminal and spermathecal fluids of honeybees. RT-qPCR analysis and immunoassays revealed that Amwaprin is primarily expressed in the testes of drones and the spermathecae of queen honeybees. Furthermore, binding assays revealed that the reduction of Amwaprin on the sperm surface led to increased H2O2 production, more circular sperm morphology, increased sperm motility, and decreased sperm viability. These findings suggest that Amwaprin binding reduces the motility of sperm stored in queen bees' spermathecae, thereby minimizing energy expenditure and ROS production, which ultimately promotes long-term sperm survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean region in Turkey is considered highly suitable for commercial queen bee rearing due to its temperate climate characteristics. Therefore, in the research, the queens to be examined in terms of quality criteria were obtained from commercial queen bee enterprises in Antalya, Mersin, Adana, and Hatay provinces in the Mediterranean region. In April-May, 5 queen bees from each of the 36 enterprises rearing queens were included in the study. Characteristics such as queen weight, spermatheca volume and diameter, and spermatozoa stored in the spermatheca are considered quality criteria, and the factors affecting them were evaluated on a total of 180 queens. Queens taken from the enterprises were divided into three groups according to their weight; light (172.56±1.75 mg), moderate (193.70±0.62 mg), and heavy (214.13±0.95 mg). The average spermatheca diameters in the light, medium, and heavy groups were 0.982±0.006 mm, 1.053±0.002 mm, and 1.215±0.008 mm, respectively. According to the average results obtained regarding the quality criteria in the study, it was determined that 60.55% of the queens evaluated in the study (the heavy group) were at standard quality levels. On the other hand, in the light and medium groups, it was observed that all values were below the quality standard values. These results show that while evaluating the quality criteria in queen bee breeding enterprises, selection can be made according to the weight of the queen bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five biological characteristics of honey bee drones were investigated under the influence of organic farming in comparison with non-organic ones. For this purpose, 10 honey bee colonies were established in each of the areas of 2.1 Hectare. The organic one was isolated from the other by 17.2 km. Each area was cultivated with Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), one under organic and the other under non-organic farming, for two seasons. As criteria for this study, amount of sealed drones brood produced, drone longevity, number of sperms in drones, percentage of drone maturity, and number of sperms in mated queens were chosen. The amount of sealed drone brood was higher in non-organic areas than organic ones, but a significant increase in the longevity of drones reared under organic farming was registered. Concerning reproductive futures, and although the number of sperms per million (mil.) was higher in newly emerged drones reared under non-organic farming, it began to decrease more significantly at 8 and 14 days in drones reared under non-organic than those reared under organic ones. Concerning the percentage of mature drones, the results showed a significant increase in drones reared under non-organic conditions at 14 days, but an insignificant increase at 8 days in comparison to drones reared under organic ones. For both groups, the percentage of mature drones of 14 days drones was significantly higher than those of 8 days. Lastly, the number of sperms in the spermatheca of queen mated with drones reared under organic farming was significantly higher than those reared under non-organic conditions. The results were discussed in the light of some biological aspects of drones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cells generate mechanical forces mainly through myosin motor activity on the actin cytoskeleton. In C. elegans, actomyosin stress fibers drive contractility of the smooth muscle-like cells of the spermatheca, a distensible, tube-shaped tissue in the hermaphrodite reproductive system and the site of oocyte fertilization. Stretching of the spermathecal cells by oocyte entry triggers activation of the small GTPase Rho. In this study, we asked how forces are distributed in vivo, and explored how spermathecal tissue responds to alterations in myosin activity. Methods: In animals expressing GFP labeled actin or apical membrane complexes, we severed these structures using femtosecond laser ablation and quantified retractions. RNA interference was used to deplete key contractility regulators. Results: We show that the basal actomyosin fibers are under tension in the occupied spermatheca. Reducing actomyosin contractility by depletion of the phospholipase C-e/PLC-1 or non-muscle myosin II/NMY-1, leads to distended spermathecae occupied by one or more embryos, but does not alter tension on the basal actomyosin fibers. However, activating myosin through depletion of the Rho GAP SPV-1 increases tension on the actomyosin fibers, consistent with earlier studies showing Rho drives spermathecal contractility. On the inner surface of the spermathecal tube, tension on the apical junctions is decreased by depletion of PLC-1 and NMY-1. Surprisingly, when basal contractility is increased through SPV-1 depletion, the tension on apical junctions also decreases, with the most significant effect on the junctions aligned in perpendicular to the axis of the spermatheca. Discussion: Our results suggest that much of the tension on the basal actin fibers in the occupied spermatheca is due to the presence of the embryo. Additionally, increased tension on the outer basal surface may compress the apical side, leading to lower tensions apically. The three dimensional shape of the spermatheca plays a role in force distribution and contractility during ovulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) is a notorious horticultural pest. The male annihilation technique (MAT) is a key strategy in the pest management program of B. dorsalis. However, there is currently no method to monitor the effectiveness of MAT in real time. In this study, it was discovered under a microscope that sperms can be detected in the spermathecae and the ventral receptacle of mated B. dorsalis females. Furthermore, sperms are more easily observed in the spermathecae and can be retained there for more than 50 days. Field investigations demonstrated that the proportion of mated females was less than 81.2% in an abandoned mango orchard, while it was reduced to less than 36.4% in another mango orchard where MAT was applied. This indicates that dissecting the spermathecae to observe the presence of sperms is a reliable method to accurately monitor the proportion of mated B. dorsalis females in the fields. This method can be used in real time and accurately assess the control efficiency of MAT in B. dorsalis management. The male annihilation technique (MAT) plays a crucial role in the pest management program of the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae). However, a suitable method for real-time and accurate assessment of MAT's control efficiency has not been established. Laboratory investigations found that motile sperms can be observed clearly under the microscope when the spermathecae dissected from mated females were torn, and no sperms were found in the spermathecae of virgin females. Furthermore, it was confirmed that sperms can be preserved in the spermathecae for more than 50 days once females have mated. Laboratory results also indicated that proportion of mated females decreased from 100% to 2% when the sex ratio (♀:♂) was increased from 1:1 to 100:1. Further observation revealed that there were no significant differences in the superficial area of the ovary or spermatheca between mated females and virgin females. Field investigations revealed that the proportion of mated females (PMF) could reach 81.2% in abandoned mango orchards, whereas the PMF was less than 36.4% in mango orchards where MAT was applied. This indicates that the PMF of the field population can be determined by examining the presence of sperms in the spermathecae. Therefore, we suggest that this method can be used to monitor the control efficiency when MAT is used in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A new species of the genus Cervidellus , C. bifidihastatus sp. n., is described from the Tabernas desert, in southern Iberian Peninsula. The new species is distinguished by having a body 0.31-0.36 mm long, cuticle tessellated, lateral fields with three longitudinal incisures, a lip region with lips having four small rounded processes at the primary axil, one small rounded apical process, and two larger triangular processes at the secondary axil, primary and secondary axils with two triangular axillar guard processes, amphids rounded, oral opening surrounded by three bifurcate Y-shaped labial probolae with long stipe with three thickenings at base and bifurcated distally with long prongs appearing as a spur-like process directed posteriorly, the excretory pore located at basal bulb or isthmus-bulb junction level, female reproductive system with long spermatheca and short post-vulval uterine sac, female and male tails conical and spicules 19-20 μ m long. Additionally, the species of the genus Cervidellus are listed and their lip regions are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In species with internal fertilization, sperm, and seminal fluid are transferred from male to female during mating. While both sperm and seminal fluid contain various types of molecules, including RNA, the role of most of these molecules in the coordination of fertilization or in other possible functions is poorly understood. In Drosophila, exosomes from the accessory gland, which produces seminal fluid, are transferred to females, but their potential cargoes have not been described. Moreover, while the RNA composition of sperm has been described in several mammalian species, little work on this problem has occurred in Drosophila. Here we use single nucleotide polymorphism differences between males and females from a set of highly inbred lines of D. melanogaster, and transcriptome data from the female reproductive tract, sperm, testis, and accessory gland, to investigate the potential origin, male vs female, RNA molecules isolated from 3 female reproductive tract organs, the seminal receptacle and spermatheca, which store sperm, and the parovaria, which does not. We find that mated females carry male-derived transcripts from many genes, including those that are markers of the accessory gland and known seminal fluid proteins. Our observations also support the idea that intact sperm transcripts can be isolated from the female sperm storage organs.

Most eukaryotic genes have been vertically transmitted to the present from distant ancestors. However, variable gene number across species indicates that gene gain and loss also occurs. While new genes typically originate as products of duplications and rearrangements of preexisting genes, putative de novo genes-genes born out of ancestrally nongenic sequence-have been identified. Previous studies of de novo genes in Drosophila have provided evidence that expression in male reproductive tissues is common. However, no studies have focused on female reproductive tissues. Here we begin addressing this gap in the literature by analyzing the transcriptomes of 3 female reproductive tract organs (spermatheca, seminal receptacle, and parovaria) in 3 species-our focal species, Drosophila melanogaster-and 2 closely related species, Drosophila simulans and Drosophila yakuba, with the goal of identifying putative D. melanogaster-specific de novo genes expressed in these tissues. We discovered several candidate genes, located in sequence annotated as intergenic. Consistent with the literature, these genes tend to be short, single exon, and lowly expressed. We also find evidence that some of these genes are expressed in other D. melanogaster tissues and both sexes. The relatively small number of intergenic candidate genes discovered here is similar to that observed in the accessory gland, but substantially fewer than that observed in the testis.

Background: Mating control is a crucial aspect of honeybee breeding. Instrumental insemination of queens gives the breeder maximum control over the genetic origin of the involved drones. However, in addition to the drones' descent, the breeder's control also extends over the number of drones to use for inseminations. Thus far, this aspect has largely been ignored in attempts to optimize honeybee breeding schemes. The literature provides some comparisons between single drone inseminations (SDI) and multi drone inseminations (MDI) but it is unclear whether the number of drones used in MDI is a relevant parameter for the optimization of honeybee breeding programs. Methods: By computer simulations, we investigated the effect of the number of drones per inseminated queen in breeding programs that relied on best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) breeding values. We covered a range of 1 to 50 drones per queen and observed the developments of genetic gain and inbreeding over a period of 20 years. Hereby, we focused on insemination schemes that take the drones for one queen from a single colony. Results: SDI strategies led to 5.46% to 14.19% higher genetic gain than MDI at the cost of 6.1% to 30.2% higher inbreeding rates. The number of drones used in MDI settings had only a negligible impact on the results. There was a slight tendency that more drones lead to lower genetic gain and lower inbreeding rates but whenever more than five drones were used for inseminations, no significant differences could be observed. Conclusion: The opportunities to optimize breeding schemes via the number of drones used in inseminations are very limited. SDI can be a viable strategy in situations where breeders are interested in genetically homogeneous offspring or precise pedigree information. However, such strategies have to account for the fact that the semen from a single drone is insufficient to fill a queen's spermatheca, whence SDI queens will not build full-strength colonies. When deciding for MDI, breeders should focus on collecting enough semen for a succesful insemination, regardless of how many drones they need for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A new species, Pratylenchus platyceriumis sp. n., was intercepted in the roots and rhizosphere of Platycerium spp. imported from Thailand. It is characterised by sexual adults with lip region containing two annuli, the lateral field with four equidistant lines, partially areolated, the female stylet (16.5-18.7 μ m) robust with broadly rounded knobs, V = (70.2-79.2), with a large oval spermatheca often full of sperm, tail subcylindrical to conoid, and terminus obliquely truncated to conical with variable mucrons or projections. Male spicules are arch-shaped, the gubernaculum trough-shaped, the tail conoid, with tip narrow and pointed and bursa striated instead of crenate. The new species is close to Pratylenchus coffeae , P. dakotaensis , P. goodeyi , P. gutierrezi , P. horti , P. morettoi , P. okinawaensis , P. panamaensis , P. pratensis , P. pseudocoffeae , P. speijeri , P. yamagutii and P. ventroprojectus , but different. Phylogenetic analyses using D2-D3 expansion domains of the 28S rRNA gene, the ITS region, the partial 18S rRNA gene and the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene confirm its classification as a new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study 34 species of Cerambycinae have been identified. In addition to determining the fauna of the Aegean Region, the sampling altitude, months and habitats of the species with number of individuals, were recorded. In addition, the morphological parts of the male and female genitalia of 16 species have been described and drawn for the first time. The existing faunal structure of the Aegean Region has been attempted to be exposed through the study, and new locality records from the region have contributed to the biodiversity of Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study recorded the adult stages of two digenetic trematodes from the anterior part of the alimentary canal and pyloric caeca of two commercially important marine bony fishes belonging to the family Serranidae from the Red Sea in Egypt. They are opecoelid Cainocreadium epinepheli (Yamaguti, 1934) Durio and Manter, 1968 and Bucephalid Prosorhynchus serrani Durio and Manter, 1968 that infect areolate grouper, Epinephelus areolatus and yellow-edged lyretail, Variola louti, respectively. The incidence of infection is reported as 55.5% (5/9) for Cainocreadium epinepheli and 81.2 % (13/16) for Prosorhynchus serrani. The body of Cainocreadium epinepheli measured 2.003-3.667 (2.809) × 0.651-1.338 (0.986) (length × maximum width) while the body of Prosorhynchus serrani measured 1.664-2.210 (1.750) × 0.225-0.358 (0.287). Cainocreadium epinepheli is characterized by the presence of smooth tegument, median gonopore in the forebody, canalicular seminal receptacle, claviform cirrus sac, long excretory vesicle reaching forebody, pre-testicular intercaecal uterus, lobed ovary, non-filamentous eggs and has an extension of vitellaria into forebody. On the other hand, Prosorhynchus serrani devoids the oral and ventral suckers but has a single caecum, midbody-located mouth, conical rhynchus, pre-testicular ovary, and elongated seminal vesicle with curved proximal part of pars prostatica. The internal organs, body regions, and their ratios concerning total body length for both species were described, measured, and compared with some of the previously described species. Finally, this study postulates that it is the first time for studying surface topography using scanning electron microscopy of both species in Egypt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Euschistus heros (Fabricius, 1798) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) is a soybean pest in Brazil. It has a reproductive success that may be associated with the female receptaculum seminis or spermatheca, a reproductive organ for spermatozoa storage until the oocyte fertilization. This study describes the anatomy and histology of the female receptaculum seminis in E. heros. The female receptaculum seminis was dissected and analyzed with a stereomicroscope, following standard procedures for histological and histochemical analyses. The female receptaculum seminis of E. heros has a spherical caspula seminalis and a duct. The epithelial cells of the capsula seminalis have two cell layers with basal one presenting columnar cells with a collecting canaliculus opening in the lumen. The apical layer has cuboidal cells. The cytoplasm in both cell layers was rich in protein. These features suggest a secretory function of these cells. The duct has four regions characterized by muscular pars intermedialis with anterior and posterior cuticular flanges, an elongated and narrow distal ductus receptaculi, a well-developed enlarged vesicular area, and a proximal ductus receptaculi, which indicate several functions, such as control the release and transport of spermatozoa and secretory. These results contribute to the comprehension of the reproductive biology of this agricultural pest.

Background: The animal sperm shows high diversity in morphology, components, and motility. In the lepidopteran model insect, the silkworm Bombyx mori, two types of sperm, including nucleate fertile eupyrene sperm and anucleate unfertile apyrene sperm, are generated. Apyrene sperm assists fertilization by facilitating the migration of eupyrene spermatozoa from the bursa copulatrix to the spermatheca. During spermatogenesis, eupyrene sperm bundles extrude the cytoplasm by peristaltic squeezing, while the nuclei of the apyrene sperm bundles are discarded with the same process, forming matured sperm. Results: In this study, we describe that a mechanoreceptor BmPiezo, the sole Piezo ortholog in B. mori, plays key roles in larval feeding behavior and, more importantly, is essential for eupyrene spermatogenesis and male fertility. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss of BmPiezo function decreases larval appetite and subsequent body size and weight. Immunofluorescence analyses reveal that BmPiezo is intensely localized in the inflatable point of eupyrene sperm bundle induced by peristaltic squeezing. BmPiezo is also enriched in the middle region of apyrene sperm bundle before peristaltic squeezing. Cytological analyses of dimorphic sperm reveal developmental arrest of eupyrene sperm bundles in BmPiezo mutants, while the apyrene spermatogenesis is not affected. RNA-seq analysis and q-RT-PCR analyses demonstrate that eupyrene spermatogenic arrest is associated with the dysregulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, we show that the deformed eupyrene sperm bundles fail to migrate from the testes, resulting in male infertility due to the absence of eupyrene sperm in the bursa copulatrix and spermatheca. Conclusions: In conclusion, our studies thus uncover a new role for Piezo in regulating spermatogenesis and male fertility in insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Eupolyphaga (E. bicolor Han, Che & Wang, sp. nov. and E. nigra Han, Che & Wang, sp. nov.) and six new species of Pseudoeupolyphaga (P. flava Han, Che & Wang, sp. nov., P. deficiens Han, Che & Wang, sp. nov., P. magna Han, Che & Wang, sp. nov., P. longiseta Han, Che & Wang, sp. nov., P. latizona Han, Che & Wang, sp. nov., and P. baimaensis Han, Che & Wang, sp. nov.) are described and illustrated. The female external genitalia and spermathecae of these two genera are reported and the role of these characters in species delimitation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of Rockacestus Caira, Bueno & Jensen, 2021 were recovered from arhynchobatid skates taken between 37°S–55°S in the Magellanic Province, Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Rockacestus blasi sp. nov. was found in Bathyraja macloviana (Norman, 1937), whereas Rockacestus magellanicus sp. nov., and Rockacestus ottavianoi sp. nov. were found in Bathyraja magellanica (Philippi, 1902). These species differ from their congeners in having a particular combination of anatomical features, including a moderate to highly folded bothridia, presence of a uteroduct, and a seminal receptacle. Cross-sections of mature proglottids were made for the first time in members of the genus. In addition, the microthrix pattern was described in detail, focusing on the distal bothridial surface, including the apical sucker and marginal loculi resulting in a common microthrix configuration with filitriches and small lanceolate, lingulate, and a particular kind of coniform spinitriches. The diagnosis of Rockacestus is revised to include several features exhibited by the new species. The distribution data of the species currently assigned to Rockacestus are compiled and updated. The finding of R. blasi sp. nov., R. magellanicus sp. nov., and R. ottavianoi sp. nov. not only increases the number of members of Rockacestus in the Magellanic Province in the Southwestern Atlantic from one to four but also expands our knowledge of phyllobothriideans and their association with the softnose skates of the genus Bathyraja Ishiyama, 1958 in the Southern Hemisphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology of the female reproductive system in Cercopis vulnerata, an economically important species, was examined with light and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The female reproductive system of C. vulnerata has two ovaries, each containing 14 telotrophic meroistic ovarioles joined by two lateral oviducts that open in a common oviduct. In this type of ovarioles, the trophocytes within the germarium are transferred to the developing oocytes in the vitellarium via the nutritive cords. The oocytes in the vitellarium have three different development stages: previtello, vitello and choriogenesis. The ovarioles open in the lateral oviduct with a thin canal‐shaped pedicel. A pair of lateral oviducts opens distally into the common oviduct. The oviducts are surrounded by a monolayer cubical epithelium with deep folds toward the lumen and a thick muscle layer. A pair of spermatheca and a bursa copulatrix are seen near the common oviduct. Spermatheca has an elongated shape. The bursa copulatrix has an ovoid tube‐like structure. No work has been done on the female reproductive system of Cercopidae to date. This study was conducted to fill this gap and forms part of the female reproductive system morphology of this economically important insect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The revision of the flea beetle genus Argopistes Motschulsky, 1860 in Madagascar is provided. Six new species are described: Argopistes janakmoravecorum sp. nov., A. laterosinuatus sp. nov., and A. vadoni from the northern area; A. jenisi sp. nov., A. keiseri sp. nov., and A. seyrigi sp. nov. from the central area. A new synonym of Argopistes brunneus Weise, 1895 is established: A. sexguttatus Weise, 1895, syn. nov., since A. sexguttatus is shown to be a chromatic form of A. brunneus. A diagnostic key of the seven Malagasy Argopistes species is provided, with photographs of the habitus, median lobe of the aedeagus, and spermatheca. Finally, based on known occurrences, the current suitable areas for this flea beetle genus in Madagascar are estimated using Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spermatheca and colleterial glands of female insects are organs associated with the reproductive system, responsible for sperm storage and secretion of egg coverings, respectively. Here we compared the development, secretory activity, and chemical nature of the secretion in the spermatheca and colleterial glands of different-aged females of the drywood termite Cryptotermes brevis. We also provide the ultrastructure of these organs in alate females. These structures have been poorly investigated in termites when compared to other eusocial insects (Hymenoptera) and termite-related dictyopterans (mantises and cockroaches). The spermatheca of C. brevis comprises a cone-shaped structure, connected to the genital chamber by a short duct. The colleterial glands, in turn, are divided into anterior and posterior tubules, each showing a basal trunk, and join into a common duct. Histological and histochemical analyses showed that the secretion of proteins and polysaccharides by the spermatheca takes place before pairing, but increases as females mate and store sperm. Colleterial glands of alates showed non-synchronous secretory activity, but the synthesis of products increased in egg-laying queens, together with the epithelium height. Ultrastructure of the spermatheca and colleterial glands revealed epithelia composed of class III secretory cells. Richness of mitochondria and electron-dense secretion in the spermatheca indicates synthesis and transport of content. Presence and absence of colleterial gland secretion in different individuals may reflect variable maturation stages of the females and secretory cells. Assuming that termites are iteroparous, the development and secretion of the spermatheca and colleterial glands play a crucial role for C. brevis queens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aminergic signaling is known to play a critical role in regulating female reproductive processes in both mammals and insects. In Drosophila , the ortholog of noradrenaline, octopamine, is required for ovulation as well as several other female reproductive processes. Two octopamine receptors have already been shown to be expressed in the Drosophila reproductive tract and to be required for egg-laying: OAMB and Octβ2R. The Drosophila genome contains 4 additional octopamine receptors— Octα2R , Octβ1R , Octβ3R , and Oct-TyrR —but their cellular patterns of expression in the reproductive tract and potential contribution(s) to egg-laying are not known. In addition, the mechanisms by which OAMB and Octβ2R regulate reproduction are incompletely understood. Using a panel of MiMIC Gal4 lines, we show that Octα2R , Octβ1R , Octβ3R , and Oct- TyrR receptors are not detectable in either epithelium or muscle but are clearly expressed in neurons within the female fly reproductive tract. Optogenetic activation of neurons that express at least 3 types of octopamine receptors stimulates contractions in the lateral oviduct. We also find that octopamine stimulates calcium transients in the sperm storage organs and that its effects in spermathecal, secretory cells, can be blocked by knock-down of OAMB. These data extend our understanding of the pathways by which octopamine regulates egg-laying in Drosophila and raise the possibility that multiple octopamine receptor subtypes could play a role in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, heatwaves have become more common with hazardous consequences on biological processes. Research using a model insect (Tribolium castaneum) found that 5-day experimental heatwave conditions damaged several aspects of male reproductive biology, while females remained unaffected. However, females’ reproductive fitness may still be impacted, as insects typically store sperm from multiple males in specialized organs for prolonged periods. Consequently, using males which produce sperm with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged sperm nuclei, we visualized in vivo whether thermal stress affects the ejaculate occupancy across female storage sites under two scenarios; (i) increasing time since insemination and (ii) in the presence of defending competitor sperm. We reconfirmed that sperm from heatwave-exposed males sired fewer offspring with previously mated females and provided new scenarios for in vivo distributions of heat-stress-exposed males’ sperm. Sperm from heatwave-exposed males occupied a smaller area and were at lower densities across the females’ storage sites. Generally, sperm occupancy decreased with time since insemination, and sperm from the first male to mate dominated the long-term storage site. Reassuringly, although heated males’ ejaculate was less successful in occupying female tracts, they were not lost from female storage at a faster rate and were no worse than control males in their offensive ability to enter storage sites occupied by competitor sperm. Future work should consider the potential site-specificity of factors influencing sperm storage where amenable.

Lepidoptera are unusual in possessing two distinct kinds of sperm, regular nucleated (eupyrene) sperm and anucleate (apyrene) sperm ('parasperm'). Sperm of both types are transferred to the female and are required for male fertility. Apyrene sperm play 'helper' roles, assisting eupyrene sperm to gain access to unfertilized eggs and influencing the reproductive behavior of mated female moths. Sperm development and behavior are promising targets for environmentally safer, target-specific biorational control strategies in lepidopteran pest insects. Sperm dimorphism provides a wide window in which to manipulate sperm functionality and dynamics, thereby impairing the reproductive fitness of pest species. Opportunities to interfere with spermatozoa are available not only while sperm are still in the male (before copulation), but also in the female (after copulation, when sperm are still in the male-provided spermatophore, or during storage in the female's spermatheca). Biomolecular technologies like RNAi, miRNAs and CRISPR-Cas9 are promising strategies to achieve lepidopteran pest control by targeting genes directly or indirectly involved in dichotomous sperm production, function, or persistence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many taxa, females store sperm in specialized storage organs. Most insect sperm storage organs have a tubular structure, typically consisting of a central lumen surrounded by epithelial cells. These specialized tubules perform the essential tasks of transporting sperm through the female reproductive tract and supporting long-term sperm survival and function. Little is known about the way in which female sperm storage organs provide an environment conducive to sperm survival. We address this using a combined light microscopy, micro computed tomography (microCT), and Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) approach for high-resolution correlative three-dimensional imaging to advance our understanding of sperm-female interactions in Drosophila melanogaster. Using this multimodal approach, we were able to scan the lower female reproductive tract and distal portion of the seminal receptacle at low magnification, and to subsequently zoom in for further analysis on an ultrastructural level. Our findings highlight aspects of the way in which the seminal receptacle keeps sperm viable in the lumen, and set the stage for further studies. The methods developed are suitable not only for Drosophila but also for other organisms with soft, delicate tissues. The anatomy of the Drosophila female lower reproductive tract is probed using a combination of high-resolution correlative three-dimensional imaging techniques, highlighting aspects of seminal receptacle sperm interactions and sperm viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxonomy of the subgenus Anthoseius De Leon (Acari: Phytoseiidae) has become challenging and often causing confusions among taxonomists. We here provide complementary descriptions of three species, T. (A.) bengalensis Karmakar et al., T. (A.) bulbosis Karmakar et al., and T. (A.) serrulatus Ehara, based on the specimens collected from Karnataka, India. During the identification of our specimens, we observed several important morphological differences between the new specimens and the original descriptions of the first two species. The morphological differences include number of dorsal solenostomes (absence or presence of gd5), position of preanal pores, chelicera dentition including position of teeth, shape of calyx of spermatheca, and leg chaetotaxy including number of setae on genu II, number of macrosetae and shape of ventral setae. Since these characters are crucial for phytoseiid taxonomy, we decided to examine the type specimens of these two species. Our examination on their holotypes confirmed that the morphological characters mentioned above are different than those reported in their original descriptions, but identical to the complementary descriptions provided here. In addition, T. (A.) serrulatus has not been recognized by several acarologists and repeatedly described under different names. We proposed five new and three suspected synonymies for this species. Lastly, we also provided the first description of males of T. (A.) bengalensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species, Myllocerus vathalmalaensis sp. nov. and M. depressus sp. nov., are described from India. M. vathalmalaensis differs from M. lineaticollis (Boheman, 1842) in possessing a fine central carina on the impressed rostrum, the second funicle segment longer than the first one and tegmen without parameres. M. depressus differs from M. cardoni Marshall, 1916 by the dorsally depressed rostrum, which is longer than the head, a prothorax depressed and constricted near the posterior margin, the antennae and legs black in colour, the hind femora with a single spine and a spermatheca with curved nodulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some aquatic invertebrates contain free d -alanine. We previously showed copious amounts of free d -glutamate, a novel d -amino acid, in the tissue of the male reproductive organs of Marsupenaeus japonicus. Herein, we clarified the distribution and potential role of d -glutamate and d -alanine in male reproductive tissues, namely the testis, vas deferens and seminal receptacle at different growth stages of M. japonicus. The percentage of d -glutamate to total glutamate was over 50% in these tissues. In particular, the content of d -glutamate was the most abundant in the vas deferens, the ratio of d -glutamate to total glutamate was approximately 80%. In contrast, d -alanine content was the lowest in the vas deferens among these tissues. d -Glutamate content was the highest when the prawn weighed 12 g, indicating that d -glutamate is actively synthesized in the younger stage. Our findings suggest that d -glutamate plays an important role in the reproductive functions of M. japonicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner), ECB, is polyphagous. In Slovenia it causes the most damage to corn (Zea mays L.) and hops (Humulus lupulus L.) but it is also often found on vegetables (tomato, pepper) and ornamentals. ECB is a nocturnal moth whose flight can be effectively monitored using a classical light trap. Its population density varies from one microhabitat to another, depending on the presence of host plants. It is often difficult to predict the occurrence of the next generation based on the number of adult ECB caught. One method that can be used is to examine the fullness of the spermatheca - i.e. an ectodermal organ responsible for receiving, maintaining, and releasing sperm for egg fertilization - in female ECB caught in a classical light trap. We analysed 2 years of spermatheca fullness of ECB female and their population dynamic on two locations in Slovenia. Only in high ECB density field were we able to observe a correlation between peak of spermatheca fullness, adult flight peak and oviposition for the first generation of ECB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first description of the internal anatomy of the scale mites using the example of parasitizing Pterygosoma pseudotrapelus (Bochkov et al., 2009) – a parasite of agamid lizards. Data on histology of the integument, digestive tract, excretory organs, prosomal glands, tracheae, and body-cavity tissues of females, supplemented by the ultrastructure of major organs, are discussed in comparison with information from other groups of the Acari. The female reproductive system was examined only at the light microscopic level. The shape of mite body is adapted to the existence under the scales of the reptile, where the parasite spends its entire life. The width of the adult females is nearly twice their length, resulting in the eccentric position of certain internal organs: the large reproductive system is oriented across the body, so that the ovary with developing oocytes occupies the right side of the idiosoma, while oviduct, seminal receptacle, and vagina are displaced to the left. The structure of the tracheal system and the podocephalic complex of P. pseudotrapelus is similar to that of Tetranychoidea, a group also regarded as one of the lower taxa in the cohort Raphignathina. A number of previously unknown primitive traits identified in the study confirm a relatively basal position of the scale mites within Raphignathina. These include a panoistic ovary, the postcolon instead of an excretory organ of more advanced forms, and 2 pairs of podocephalic acinar glands against the general trend of their reduction in this cohort. An unpaired tracheal gland was found independent from the podocephalic system. The coxal glands lack a filtering sacculus and their epithelium forms mutual interdigitations with the surrounding modified ventricular wall. • Histology and general ultrastructure of the scale mites (Pterygosomatidae) has been studied for the first time. • The postcolon, 2 pairs of podocephalic acinar glands and panoistic ovary are new primitive features characterizing scale mites as lower Raphignathina. • The unusual body shape of Pterygosoma causes transverse orientation of the female reproductive system. • Structures of the tracheal and podocephalic gland systems resemble those of Tetranychoidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The taxonomy of the subfamily Scolytinae has traditionally been based on external morphological attributes corresponding to the elytral declivity, head, and pronotum. Some traits from the general morphology of the aedeagus and spermatheca have been proposed in scarce genera. In this study, we explore and improve a technique of endophallus inflation to apply it in Scolytinae members and to describe its morphology for the first time in 16 species from Dendroctonus Erichson, Ips DeGeer, and Phloeosinus Chapuis. These taxa display differences in the attachment types of endophallus and two distinct inflation and retraction mechanisms. Our results support the use of the internal sac as a taxonomic feature in Scolytinae because each tribe, genus, and species display a particular morphological pattern. The results also indicate use of the internal sac for Dendroctonus taxonomy supports phylogenetic inferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details of the body structure of sexually mature copepods (females and males) of two morphologically similar species of the genus Thermocyclops are presented. One was the invader, T. taihokuensis from the Shat Reservoir, Tula oblast, while the other was the native T. oithonoides from Pleshcheyevo Lake, Yaroslavl oblast. Both were studied to clarify the known morphological features and to identify new ones in order to distinguish reliably between these species. The structure was analyzed using programs for visualization and measurement of objects observed under the AxioVision Rel. 4.8 and ScopePhoto 3.0 microscopes. Drawings of the fine structures were made from photographs. The distinctions between these two species are shown to be mainly based on qualitative characteristics (the shape of the element, its location, etc.). No taxonomically significant differences have been found in the measured parameters of the elements of the fourth, fifth, and sixth (in males) legs, the caudal rami, and their setae, all of which are commonly used to identify species of this genus. The shape of the seminal receptacle, the apical setae of the caudal rami, the apical spines of the endopodite of the fourth legs (P4), and the position of the lateral seta on the caudal rami have been found to be the most important for identifying the females of these species. Interspecies differences were revealed in the armature of the prominences of the intercoxal coupler, the ornamentation of the P4 coxopodite and its intercoxal coupler, and the armature of the 14th segment of the antennules of females. These characteristics are proposed as additional features for species identification. Thermocyclops taihokuensis males are shown to be significantly larger than those of T. oithonoides, and they also differ in the position of the lateral setae of the caudal rami, the P4 armature, and the length of the central apical setae. A key is proposed for identifying six species of the genus Thermocyclops common in European Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel species of Psalmopoeus Pocock, 1895 are described from the north-western and central-western slopes of the Cordillera Occidental of the Andes mountain range in Ecuador. The new species are easily differentiated from other congeners of Psalmopoeus by spermathecae and male palpal bulb morphology and a comparatively distant distribution to the type localities of the geographically nearest known congeners. The diagnosis of P. ecclesiasticus Pocock, 1093 is revised and updated, considering the novel species and observations on spermatheca of this species. Likewise, an evaluation is provided for the new species in terms of conservation due to the various threats impacting ecosystems and ecosystem services of their type localities. Finally, the importance of theraphosid spiders in Ecuador and South America and their possible conservation requirements are discussed and assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monotypic Peruvian genus Anqasha with type species Anqasha picta (Pocock 1903) is revised. A female of A. picta from the type locality of Caraz is herein described for the first time. The recently described females of A. picta coming from Recuay are transferred to the new taxon, which is herein described, diagnosed, and illustrated. Males of A. minaperinensis sp. nov. differ from that of A. picta in the shape of retrolateral branch of subapical apophyses on male tibia I, which is apically flattened and having three short spines. Females of A. minaperinensis sp. nov. differ from A. picta in the shape of seminal receptacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species of predatory mites belonging to the genus Amblyseius Berlese (Acari: Phytoseiidae), A. latisetosussp. nov., A. unodentatussp. nov., and A. altaiensissp. nov. are described based on the material collected from Altai Republic, Russia. The new species are assigned to the obtusus species group and andersoni species subgroup by having setae J2 and Z1, short and minute setae z4, sub-pentagonal ventrianal shield, and bell-shaped calyx of spermatheca. All new species were compared with each other and all other Amblyseius species known to date. The main diagnostic characters of these species are measurements of prominent dorsal setae, ventral setae JV5 and macrosetae on leg IV, cheliceral dentition, number of setae on genu II as well as small rounded and distinct pre-anal pores on ventrianal shield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: On one hand, the females of some crabs can store the sperm from copulations for several years. On the other hand, it is reported that DNA repair mechanisms in sperm cells are less effective than in other cells. Taking into account these two considerations, we conducted a study into the viability and possible genetic damage of DNA in spermatozoa stored in female spider crabs for up to 14 months. The results show that during the first 3–4 months, both the viability and the DNA integrity fall considerably. Natural populations of the spider crab Maja brachydactyla constitute a fishery resource of great economic importance in many countries. As in the rest of eubrachyurans, the females of this species have ventral-type seminal receptacles where they store sperm from copulations. Sperm can be stored in these structures for months and even years before egg fertilisation, with the consequent degradation of the sperm cells during the time. In this work, we analyse the viability and the possible genetic damage in sperm accumulated in the seminal receptacles of M. brachydactyla females as a function of the storage time (from 0 to 14 months) using the comet assay technique. On one hand, we developed an algorithm for comet image analysis that improves the comet segmentation compared with the free software Open comet v1.3.1 (97% vs. 76% of detection). In addition, our software allows the manual modification of the contours wrongly delimited via the automatic tool. On the other hand, our data show a sharp decline in sperm viability and DNA integrity in the first four months of storage, which could lead to a decrease in the fecundity rate and/or viability of the embryos or larvae from the second and third clutches of the annual cycle if the repair capacity in these gametic cells is low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reproductive biology of the black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), was investigated in males and females with a focus on how sperm is handled by males before – and by females after – copulation. As this insect has great economic importance for protein production from agri‐food wastes, its reproduction needs to be precisely known. A detailed description of male and female reproductive organs was made, and sperm were counted in male and female storage organs. Measures of testis and sperm counts were performed in males of various ages and their dynamics was compared to the ovaries of females. Both male and female tracts were long, and consisted of various successive parts. In males, testes fill the vas deferens with mature sperm, that are tangled as 'windrows', and sperm pass successively through a 'studded pipe' and three phallic 'wands' before being transferred to females. In virgin males, mean (± SEM) sperm number increased from approximately 9700 (± 1400, n = 5) to 39600 (± 3470, n = 13) in 20 days, and testes gradually decreased in size, indicating continuous spermatogenesis. Sperm cells are long, more than 3 mm. During copulation, sperm are deposited by phallic 'wands' at the base of each spermatheca in a smooth tube followed by a 'fishnet canal' at the top of which they accumulate before complete storage. They then pass through a ringed canal, an elbow, and a rigid rod strewn with glands, before reaching the spermathecal reservoir. Females store approximately 680 spermatozoa after one mating in each spermathecal reservoir. Such complex sperm storage organs of females may indicate strong female post‐mating selection, and reflect competition for long and numerous sperm in this species, in which female multiple matings are suspected. Besides its economical interest, BSF is an appealing model for further investigations on sexual selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In species with internal fertilization, sperm, and seminal fluid are transferred from male to female during mating. While both sperm and seminal fluid contain various types of molecules, including RNA, the role of most of these molecules in the coordination of fertilization or in other possible functions is poorly understood. In Drosophila, exosomes from the accessory gland, which produces seminal fluid, are transferred to females, but their potential cargoes have not been described. Moreover, while the RNA composition of sperm has been described in several mammalian species, little work on this problem has occurred in Drosophila. Here we use single nucleotide polymorphism differences between males and females from a set of highly inbred lines of D. melanogaster, and transcriptome data from the female reproductive tract, sperm, testis, and accessory gland, to investigate the potential origin, male vs female, RNA molecules isolated from 3 female reproductive tract organs, the seminal receptacle and spermatheca, which store sperm, and the parovaria, which does not. We find that mated females carry male-derived transcripts from many genes, including those that are markers of the accessory gland and known seminal fluid proteins. Our observations also support the idea that intact sperm transcripts can be isolated from the female sperm storage organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Deladenus taedae n. sp. was isolated from loblolly pine wood (Pinus taeda) intercepted in Ningbo, P.R. China, in imports from the USA. This new species is morphologically described and illustrated and characterised molecularly. Both mycetophagous and infective forms were recovered and described. The new species, D. taedae n. sp., resembles some other species of Deladenus in which the excretory pore is situated anterior to the hemizonid. The new species is characterised by the lateral fields with six lines, pointed tail ending and small spermatheca in mycetophagous females and short stylet in infective females. In mycetophagous females, the excretory pore is 74-98 μ m from the anterior end and 37-54 μ m anterior to the hemizonid. The partial rDNA 18S, complete internal transcribed spacer, 5.8S and partial 28S D2/D3 genes were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of the genes distinguished this new species from all other sequenced Deladenus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey bee colonies maintain viable queens in part through communication with Queen Mandibular Pheromone (QMP), a mixture that signals the queen's presence and reproductive quality to workers. In turn, workers are thought to provide retinue queen care or replace queens partially based on QMP profiles. We examined the effects of seasonal dearth (overwintering in a warm subtropical location) on queen-worker interactions. Retinue worker responses to continuously ovipositing queens were considered in view of QMP signaling and queen reproductive quality. QMP signaling was estimated from QMP residues recovered from nest worker bodies, which is the primary mode of QMP transfer from the queen to the colony at large. QMP residues varied seasonally but not at all with queen reproductive quality (spermatheca sperm storage, ovary protein and lipid contents). 9-HDA and 9-ODA were lower in January than other months. HOB decreased from July to January, while HVA, a component associated with mated queens, increased sharply in January. Despite these seasonal signaling differences, retinue workers attended queens at similar levels through the months. In terms of reproductive quality, queens did not differ over the months in matedness (spermatheca sperm storage) or physiological age (protein carbonyl content), but varied in nutrient allocation to reproductive and non-reproductive tissues. Queen ovaries contained more protein in September than in November, and more lipid in July and September than in November and January. Queen fat bodies had more protein in July than September or November, but less lipid in July and September than November or January. Retinue worker responses did not vary with seasonal QMP changes, but reflected overall continuous brood rearing efforts and queen matedness throughout the year. The absence of seasonal differences in worker responses to QMP should be considered in the broader context of continuous reproductive efforts in warm subtropical colonies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In taxonomy, qualitative methods are commonly used to analyze morphological characters, which can lead to dramatic changes in higher taxa. Geometric morphometrics (GM) has proven to be useful for discriminating species in various taxonomy groups. However, the application of geometric morphometrics in supraspecies classification is relatively scarce. In this study, we tested the controversial two subgenera classification of Chaetocnema with geometric morphometrics; a total of 203 Chaetocnema species representing 50% of all known species from around the world were selected for the analysis. We analyzed the shape of the pronotum, elytron, head, aedeagus, and spermatheca. The results showed that the two traditional subgenera distinctly differed from each other; therefore, we propose using two subgenera arrangements to facilitate the understanding and taxonomy of the Chaetocnema species (especially in the Oriental, Palearctic, and Nearctic regions). Additionally, the morphological diversity of the abovementioned structures of Chaetocnema was analyzed, and it was found that the highest morphological diversity was in the spermatheca, which was greater than that in the aedeagus. Our research demonstrated that GM could be useful for detecting morphological delimitation of the supraspecies taxa. It also showed that GM methods are applicable to insects as small as 2 mm in body size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptoglossus zonatus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Coreidae) is a polyphagous insect pest attacking a wide variety of crops. In California's Central Valley, it is now the dominant leaffooted bug on almonds, pistachios, and pomegranates. Leptoglossus zonatus pest status depends largely on overwintering adult survival and reproductive potential, which determines its population size in spring and early summer when nut crops are particularly susceptible to bug damage. Here, we investigated the overwintering reproductive biology of L. zonatus in laboratory and field experiments to gain information about its ovary development, time of mating, and the impact of low temperatures on egg hatch. With dissections of laboratory-reared L. zonatus, we established a baseline for ovarian development and determined that the size of the spermathecal reservoir is larger in mated than in unmated females. Dissections and behavioral experiments of field-collected material provided evidence of mating events before dispersal from overwintering sites. Laboratory trials showed that temperature significantly impacted L. zonatus egg hatch. Leptoglossus zonatus reproductive biology presented provides valuable information on its population dynamics and dispersal from overwintering sites, and will contribute to the development of monitoring and management tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Aedeagus and spermatheca of the type species Pilemostoma fastuosum (Schaller) of the monotypic genus Pilemostoma Desbrochers des Loges have been studied and figured. Aedeagal and spermathecal structures were evaluated in detail under both stereo microscope and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for the first time on the basis of 20 and 24 specified characters respectively. Contrary of popular acceptance, we demonstrate that the characteristics of the aedeagal and spermathecal structures, which can be obtained with SEM studies, can be used at almost all taxonomic levels diagnostically. It is obvious that the characteristics, however, will have different values for different taxonomic categories. As a result of this study, the aedeagi, especially a total of seven diverse characters (including characteristics of apex in dorsal view, general shape in lateral view, etc..), and the spermathecae, vasculum, ampulla, ductus glandula auxiliaris and ductus spermatheca are found generally constant within species, but distinct and useful in comparison with other species in the tribe Cassidini. Eventually, the aedeagal and spermathecal structures of the type species examined in this study was found to be distinctive not only at the species level but also at the generic level. Accordingly, as an important output of the study, we suggest that Pilemostoma should be downgraded to a subgenus level under the genus CassidaLinnaeus, 1758 as Cassida (Pilemostoma) Desbrocher des Loges, 1891 rest. stat.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]