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Spermatophore producing process and sperm transfer in Phytoseiulus persimilis

Xiaohuan Jiang1, Jiale Lv1, Endong Wang1

  • 1Lab of Predatory Mites, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.

Experimental & Applied Acarology
|December 21, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The study details the production and sperm content of the Phytoseiulus persimilis spermatophore during mating. Spermatophore shape, sperm count, and release timing were analyzed, providing insights into mite reproductive biology.

Area of Science:

  • Acarology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Entomology

Background:

  • Spermatophores are crucial for sperm storage in phytoseiid mites during mating.
  • Understanding spermatophore dynamics is key to comprehending mite reproductive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the production process of the Phytoseiulus persimilis spermatophore.
  • To analyze spermatophore shape, sperm count, and sperm morphology in relation to mating duration.

Main Methods:

  • Detailed observation of spermatophore production post-mating initiation.
  • Microscopic analysis of spermatophore shape and sperm characteristics.
  • Quantification of sperm number and assessment of sperm morphology over time.

Main Results:

  • Phytoseiulus persimilis spermatophores are pyriform and produced within 3 minutes of mating.
  • Sperm count in spermatophores peaks around 10 minutes post-initiation (approx. 52 sperm) and declines thereafter.
  • All sperm are released from the spermatophore within 75 minutes of mating; sperm are slender, averaging 3.9 µm in length.

Conclusions:

  • The study elucidates the temporal dynamics of spermatophore formation and sperm transfer in Phytoseiulus persimilis.
  • Spermatophore morphology and sperm content are influenced by mating duration.
  • These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of reproductive mechanisms in predatory mites.
Keywords:
MatingPhytoseiidaeReproductionSeminal fluidUltrastructure

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