Spermatophore of the tsetse, Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood: an ultrastructural study

Abstract

Sperm are transferred from male to female tsetse, as in most insect species, within a spermatophore. The spermatophore of the tsetse species, Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood (Diptera: Glossinidae), is highly organized, and can be visualized as a sac deposited in the uterus of the female tsetse. The wall of the spermatophore comprises two layers, whose components are strikingly similar to those of the secretions made by the male accessory reproductive glands. Dense aggregates of material, matrix filaments, and clusters of granules predominate in both. An ultrastructural study of these components is reported in this paper.