Development and comparative morphology of the reproductive system in different aged males of the drywood termite Cryptotermes brevis (Blattaria, Isoptera, Kalotermitidae)

Laranjo, Lara Teixeira; Silva, Iago Bueno da; Costa–Leonardo, Ana Maria

doi:10.1007/s00709-019-01417-8

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 40 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Previous analyses on the seminal vesicles of different termite species, including C. gestroi , revealed that these structures secrete a content that reacts positively to xP and PAS tests (Laranjo et al, 2019, 2020). Then, similar to the spermathecae, the seminal fluid transferred to the female apparatus during copulation is likely to contain proteins and polysaccharides.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 1 more Smart Citation

Mating mediates morphophysiological changes in the spermathecae of Coptotermes gestroi queens

Silva

Costa–Leonardo

2022

Entomologia Exp Applicata

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Insect spermathecae play a crucial role in sperm storage and maintenance prior to egg fertilization. Within eusocial insects, this structure is well studied in the Hymenoptera, whose queens copulate during a short period early in life and store sperm for up to decades. Within Isoptera, sperm storage and maintenance inside the spermatheca are poorly understood, especially due to the presence of a sperm-providing king. Here, we compared the morphometric and morphophysiological features of the spermathecae of virgin and mated queens of the invasive termite Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). The spermatheca comprises a finger-shaped reservoir divided into two regions and a duct limited by a narrow transition. The superficial spermatheca area, as well as the luminal area, increase significantly after insemination, even among queens whose reproductive activity was reduced, suggesting that sperm storage continues during such conditions. The secretion of proteins and polysaccharides into the spermathecal lumen was a remarkable feature for both virgin and 4-year-old queens, although the concentration of the secreted content increased in the latter group. It suggests that spermatheca activation occurs before pairing, but its secretory activity intensifies to nourish and provide energy for the stored spermatozoa. Ultrastructure of the spermathecal epithelium showed a bicellular unit, composed of a secretory cell and associated canal cells. Secretory vesicles of various electron densities were observed next to the receiving canal of the secretory cells in both virgin and 2-year-old queens. Nevertheless, strongly electron-dense vesicles were only recorded for mated queens, which were associated with the increasing synthesis of proteins. The occurrence of rough endoplasmic reticulum and richness of mitochondria reinforces the protein synthesis and transport of contents towards the spermathecal lumen. In conclusion, the spermatheca of C. gestroi undergoes morphometric and physiological changes after mating, and further analysis may provide insights into the chemical nature of the spermathecal secretion prior to and after this event.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The muscular sheath covering the spermatheca of C. gestroi is probably responsible for sperm transfer, as already suggested for other termite species (Weesner, 1956; Raina et al, 2007). Such an inference is reinforced by the immotile nature of its spermatozoa, a synapomorphy for most termite lineages (Laranjo et al, 2020).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mating mediates morphophysiological changes in the spermathecae of Coptotermes gestroi queens

Silva

Costa–Leonardo

2022

Entomologia Exp Applicata

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…The seminal vesicles of C. gestroi are individualized organs with morphological and probably functional differentiations in their different portions (proximal and distal). According to [24], the seminal vesicles are dilations of the vasa deferentia in many insects, such as observed in the higher termites, e.g., S. euamignathus [33] and some lower termites, e.g., Cryptotermes brevis [35,36]. However, in some orthopteroid insects, the seminal vesicles are not simple expansions of the ducts, but individualized structures as observed in C. gestroi.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Glycoproteinaceous Secretion in the Seminal Vesicles of the Termite Coptotermes gestroi (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Laranjo

Haifig

Costa–Leonardo

2019

Insects

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Coptotermes gestroi is a subterranean termite with colonies generally headed by a pair of primary reproductives, although neotenics may occur. In this study, the male reproductive system was compared during different life stages of nymphs, alates, neotenic reproductives, and kings of C. gestroi, focusing on the modifications of this system along the maturation of these individuals. The structure of the male reproductive system follows the pattern described for insects, although C. gestroi males do not exhibit conspicuous penises and differentiated accessory glands. In kings, each testis consisted of about seven lobes, significantly increased in size as compared to younger males. The spermatogenesis begins in third-instar nymphs, which already presented spermatozoa in the testes. The seminal vesicles are individualized in C. gestroi and have a secretory distal portion and a proximal portion with a role in spermatozoa storage. The secretion of the seminal vesicles is strongly periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-positive, whereas the xylidine Ponceau test revealed proteins that increase in quantity while the males become older. This is the first record of glycoproteins in the lumen of seminal vesicles in termites. Further studies will clarify how they are produced and interact in the physiology and nutrition of the non-flagellate spermatozoa of C. gestroi.

show abstract

“…The ultrastructural changes are dependent on development and mating competence. Since the sperm lacks flagella and, in consequence, is not motile (Laranjo et al 2020 ), it is these cellular aspects of the female organs that decide on fertilisation and, thus, gene flow.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Steering diversity — cellular aspects of gene flow

Nick

2024

Protoplasma

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Development and comparative morphology of the reproductive system in different aged males of the drywood termite Cryptotermes brevis (Blattaria, Isoptera, Kalotermitidae)

Cited by 6 publications

References 40 publications

Mating mediates morphophysiological changes in the spermathecae of Coptotermes gestroi queens

Mating mediates morphophysiological changes in the spermathecae of Coptotermes gestroi queens

A Glycoproteinaceous Secretion in the Seminal Vesicles of the Termite Coptotermes gestroi (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Steering diversity — cellular aspects of gene flow

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About