Abstract
Coptotermes gestroi is a subterranean termite with colonies generally headed by a pair of primary reproductives, although neotenics may occur. In this study, the male reproductive system was compared during different life stages of nymphs, alates, neotenic reproductives, and kings of C. gestroi, focusing on the modifications of this system along the maturation of these individuals. The structure of the male reproductive system follows the pattern described for insects, although C. gestroi males do not exhibit conspicuous penises and differentiated accessory glands. In kings, each testis consisted of about seven lobes, significantly increased in size as compared to younger males. The spermatogenesis begins in third-instar nymphs, which already presented spermatozoa in the testes. The seminal vesicles are individualized in C. gestroi and have a secretory distal portion and a proximal portion with a role in spermatozoa storage. The secretion of the seminal vesicles is strongly periodic acid Schiff (PAS)-positive, whereas the xylidine Ponceau test revealed proteins that increase in quantity while the males become older. This is the first record of glycoproteins in the lumen of seminal vesicles in termites. Further studies will clarify how they are produced and interact in the physiology and nutrition of the non-flagellate spermatozoa of C. gestroi.
Highlights
Coptotermes gestroi is a rhinotermitid native to southeastern Asia [1], and is responsible for severe damage and economic impacts on structural woods in Brazil [2]
The reproductive system of males of Coptotermes gestroi is composed of two testes, two vasa deferentia, two seminal vesicles, and a common ejaculatory duct (Figure 1)
Schemeof of the the male system of an alate of Coptotermes gestroi. (B) Total mounting of the male system ofsystem a 6-yearof king of C. gestroi
Summary
Coptotermes gestroi is a rhinotermitid native to southeastern Asia [1], and is responsible for severe damage and economic impacts on structural woods in Brazil [2]. The royal couple of C. gestroi is housed in the principal nest, which spreads with colony growth in secondary structures named satellite nests. Replacement reproductives appear in colonies when the royal couple dies or during colony fission. These individuals are nymphoid neotenics because they have wing buds and are originated from nymphs. Non-functional neotenic reproductives seem to be precursors of mature functional neotenics and were already observed in colonies with kings and queens [4], but hitherto only one functional replacement queen was found in a nest located on the seventeenth floor of a skyscraper in São Paulo city [5]
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