Characteristics of the sperm structure in heteroptera (Hemiptera, Insecta)

Spermatozoa from eight heteropterans, each representing a different family, have been examined by electron microscopy in order to determine whether there exist characters typical for this insect group. Two such characters were found, namely bridges from the mitochondrial derivatives to the axonemal microtubules nos. 1 and 5, and two or three, rather than one, crystalline bodies within the mitochondrial derivatives. It is suggested that these characters are synapomorphic traits. The heteropteran spermatozoa lack accessory bodies typical of spermatozoa from many related groups of insects. The acrosome of the aquatic or semi-aquatic heteropterans (the infraorders Nepomorpha and Gerromorpha) has a peculiar inner structure consisting of tightly packed tubules. On the common theme of the heteropteran sperm structure, there were many variations, and the spermatozoa of each species examined can be recognized.