Abstract
Females of Dermanyssina possess, according to present knowledge, two types of sperm access systems: the laelapid and the phytoseiid type. Contrary to the laelapid type, the phytoseiid type is hardly understood regarding structural and functional aspects.
In the present study we report on the sperm access system of two phytoseiid species: Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot mating females, and Typhlodromus rhenanoides Athias-Henriot overwintering females.
In both species the general anatomy of the sperm access system is the same, even though some differences in the gross morphology are present. The system is composed of paired elements: solenostomes, major and minor ducts, emboli, calyces and vesicles. The fine structure of all these parts is described. Attention is drawn especially to the minor duct that has been traced here for the first time in full length. Moreover, a peculiar electronlucent tissue, connecting as a transversal belt the two minor duct ends, is detected. This tissue makes the phytoseiid-type sperm access system a continuous structure as the laelapid-type. From the results presented here, it seems doubtful that the minor duct serves as a simple path for sperm to the ovary. Apparently the phytoseiid-type sperm access system plays a role in sperm reception but is not or at least less involved in capacitation and storage as the laelapid-type system.
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Alberti, G., Di Palma, A. (2002). Fine structure of the phytoseiid-type sperm access system (Acari, Gamasida, Phytoseiidae). In: Bernini, F., Nannelli, R., Nuzzaci, G., de Lillo, E. (eds) Acarid Phylogeny and Evolution: Adaptation in Mites and Ticks. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0611-7_25
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-0611-7_25
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