Male reproductive tract and spermatozoa ultrastructure in the grasshopper Orphulella punctata (De Geer, 1773) (Insecta, Orthoptera, Caelifera).

ABSTRACT

Identification Orphulellini grasshoppers (Acrididae Gomphocerinae) species has been difficult due to high polymorphism rate. Orphulella Giglio-Tos, 1894 is a genus with widespread geographical distribution and poor descriptions. Orphulella punctata (De Geer, 1773) has an extensive record of occurrence and available information about the phallic complex, however, there is poor data describing other parts of the male reproductive tract. The objective of this study was characterizes the internal organs of the male reproductive system and spermatozoa of O. punctata. Orphulella punctata testes are of Fountain type, each having only four follicles. Spermatozoa into the seminal vesicle are arranged in bundles with c.a. 2320 µm length, with a nucleus 110 µm long. The spermatozoa are covered by a glycocalyx, the nucleus is cylindrical with condensed chromatin and connected to the flagellum by a dense and lamellar centriole adjunct. The axoneme have 9 + 9 + 2 pattern and present two symmetrical mitochondrial derivatives. A fibrous net and two flat membranous cisternae fill the space between the axoneme and mitochondrial derivatives. This is the first description of the reproductive system of a Gomphocerinae representative.