Concurrent occurrence of holocrine type-degeneration along with high reproductive function in the secretory epithelia of the duplex of two Noctuid species,Spodoptera litura (F) andHeliothis armigera (H) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

Ductus ejaculatorius duplex is the major sperm storage organ in male reproductive tract of Noctuid species. Although seminal vesicles and duplex are functionally sperm storage organs, duplex plays an important role in sperm functions on its transport from male to female. At the zenith of the reproductive function, duplex exhibits holocrine type-degeneration (secretion) concurrent with the height of secretory activity wherein the duplex secretion facilitates the transport of the spermatozoa into the female via spermatophore and contributes rich materials for spermatozoa maturity and physiological activity.